Nonlinear Elastic Behavior of Unidirectional Composites With Fiber Waviness Under Compressive Loading

Abstract

Nonlinear elastic behavior of unidirectional composites with fiber waviness under compressive loading was investigated theoretically and experimentally. Unidirectional carbon/epoxy composites with uniform, graded, and localized fiber waviness were studied. Complementary strain energy was used to derive the material nonlinear stress-strain relations. Nonlinear material properties obtained from shear and longitudinal and transverse compression tests were incorporated into the analysis. Compression tests of specimens with known fiber waviness were conducted to verify the constitutive relations. Experimental results were in good agreement with predictions based on the constitutive model.