Simulation of the mechanical properties of fibrous composites by the bridging micromechanics model

The overall thermal-mechanical properties of a fibrous composite out of an elastic deformation range can be simply simulated using a recently developed micromechanics model, the Bridging Model. Only the in situ constituent tiber and matrix properties of the composite and the fiber volume fraction are required in the simulation. This general yet easy-to-implement micromechanics model is reviewed and summarized in the present paper. Application of the model to predict various properties of unidirectional laminae and multidirectional laminates, including thermoelastic behavior, elasto-plastic response, ultimate failure strength, strength at elevated temperature, and fatigue strength and S-N curve, is demonstrated. It is suggested that use of the bridging model, appropriately calibrated with experimental data, can therefore inform composite design by identifying suitable constituent materials, their contents, and their geometrical arrangements. Some technical issues regarding applications of the bridging model are also addressed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.