Stress Concentrations in a Hybrid Composite Sheet

Abstract

This paper examines the load redistribution in a hybrid composite sheet due to fiber breakage. The hybrid composite contains both high modulus and low modulus fibers arranged in alternating positions. Stress concentration factors for both types of fibers immediately adjacent to a group of fractured fibers have been evaluated. The method of influence function and Fourier series representation are adopted. Results of stress concentration factors are presented in terms of the number of fractured fibers and their geometric arrangements. Reduction of the stress concentration factor of the high modulus fibers when dispersed among the low modulus fibers provides a theoretical explanation of the observed “hybrid effect.” The present analysis can be readily incorporated into a failure model taking into account the statistical nature of fiber strength.