Rule of Mixtures Composite stiffness can be predicted using a micro-mechanics approach termed the rule of mixtures. Assumptions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Fibers are uniformly distributed throughout the matrix. Perfect bonding between fibers and matrix. Matrix is free of voids. Applied loads are either parallel or normal to the fiber direction. Lamina is initially in a stress-free state (no residual stresses). Fiber and matrix behave as linearly elastic materials.

Longitudinal Modulus Equal strain assumption: c = f = m 2

Matrix Fiber

1
1

Matrix L Representative Volume Element (RVE) L

Static equilibrium requires that the total resultant force on the element must equal the sum of the forces acting on the fiber and matrix.

C1 Ac = F 1 AF + M 1 AM C1 = F 1
AF A + M1 M AC AC

Where, AC, AF, AM are composite, fiber, and matrix cross sections. Then, we can also say that: VF = AF/AC and VM = AM/AC where VF and VM are volume fractions and not volumes of fiber and matrix.

Invoking Hookes Law, we get EC1C1 = EF1

F1VF + EM1 M1VM

Then, to have strain compatibility, we have to assume that the average strains in the composite, fiber, and matrix along the 1-direction are equal. Therefore, EC1 = EF1 VF + EM1 VM = EF1 VF + EM1 (1-VF) -- Parallel combination rule of mixtures

Therefore, the fraction of load carried by fibers in a unidirectional continuous fiber lamina is
EF VF EM

F VF PF E F VF = = = PC F V F + M (1 V F ) E F V F + E M (1 V F ) E F VF + (1 VF ) EM
If you assume wood-plastic composite and that EF is 1,000,000 psi and Em is 175,000 psi (HDPE for example), then
PF 6V F = PC 6V F + (1 V F )

Then, PF/PC = 0.6 or 60% Strength Unidirectional Continuous Fiber Lamina: In general, fiber failure strain is lower than the matrix failure strain. Assuming all fibers have the same strength, the tensile rupture of fibers will determine the rupture in the composite. Therefore, estimation of longitudinal tensile strength could be calculated as
' LTU = FU VF + M (1 VF )
' Where FU is the fiber tensile strength and M is matrix stress at fiber failure strain. For effective reinforcement of the matrix (i.e., LTU MU ), the VF must be greater than the critical value defined as: ' MU M ' FU M

CriticalV F =

V. Yadama, CE 537, Fall 2007

Transverse Modulus

Matrix W Fiber Matrix 1

2
Representative Volume Element (RVE)

Geometric compatibility requires that the total transverse composite displacement in the 2-direction, C2, must equal the sum of the corresponding transverse displacements in the fiber, F2, and the matrix, M2. Therefore, C2 = F2 + M2 But, F2 = 2/EF2 and

M2 = M2/EM2 C2 = 2W = VFWF2 +VMWM2 or

Invoking Hookes Law:

2 = VFF2 + VMM2

C2
EC 2

F2
EF 2

VF +

M2
EM 2

VM

But , C 2 = F 2 = M 2 Therefore, 1 1 1 = VF + (1 VF ) EC 2 E F 2 EM 2 or EC 2 = EF 2 EM 2 E F 2VM + E M 2VF

Series combination rule of mixtures

V. Yadama, CE 537, Fall 2007

Assumptions are not so good: Transverse strain mismatch exists at the boundary between fiber and matrix Transverse stresses may not be same as VF VM Poissons Ratio is not the same which would cause shear stress between fiber and matrix Fibers do not contribute significantly, matrix dominated.

Poissons Ratio

2 W Matrix W Fiber Matrix L Representative Volume Element (RVE) L

1
1

F = M
Macroscopically, W = W 2 = W 12 1 But , microscopically W = MW + FW FW = WVF F 1 MW = WVM M 1 Therefore, 12 = M VM + F VF and

21 =

E 22 12 E11

Neither fiber nor matrix dominate the composite 12 V. Yadama, CE 537, Fall 2007 4

Shear Modulus

Presume that the shearing stresses on the fiber and on the matrix are the same (which is clearly not the case).

Matrix W Fiber Matrix

Matrix Fiber Matrix M/2 F

Then, M =

GM

and F =

GF

Total shear deformation on a macroscopic scale would be = W On a macroscopic scale M = VM W M and F = VFW F Then, because = M + F and dividing by W, we get = VM M + VF F But,

=
G12

G12 = VM

Therefore,

GM

+ VF

GF

Therefore, GM GF G12 = VM GF + VF GM G12 is matrix dominated and is a series combination like E2.

V. Yadama, CE 537, Fall 2007