Theoretical Prediction of the Thermoelastic Properties and Thermal Stresses in Unidirectional Composites

Abstract

A theoretical investigation is undertaken to predict the thermoelastic properties of com posites consisting of an isotropic matrix reinforced with either isotropic or transversely isotropic fibers. Both constituent materials are assumed to be elastic. The effects of the constituent material properties and fiber anisotropy on the elastic moduli and thermal ex pansion coefficients of unidirectional composites are evaluated for a square array model. The proposed expressions for the coefficients of thermal expansion are used in the analysis of unidirectional glass-epoxy and carbon-epoxy composites. The solutions for the thermo elastic properties and thermal stresses of the example problems considered in this study compare favorably with the existing results. The method of solution can be extended to ac count for the effect of inelastic strains.