SAGE Publications

An operationally simple strength criterion for anisotropic materials is developed from a scalar function of two strength tensors. Differing from existing quadratic approximations of failure surfaces, the present theory satisfies the invariant requirements of coordinate transforma tion, treats interaction terms as independent components, takes into account the difference in strengths due to positive and negative stresses, and can be specialized to account for different material symmetries, multi-dimensional space, and multi-axial stresses. The measured off-axis uniaxial and pure shear data are shown to be in good agreement with the predicted values based on the present theory.

This review is designed to be a comprehensive source for polymer nanocomposite research, including fundamental structure/property relationships, manufacturing techniques, and applications of polymer nanocomposite materials. In addition to presenting the scientific framework for the advances in polymer nanocomposite research, this review focuses on the scientific principles and mechanisms in relation to the methods of processing and manufacturing with a discussion on commercial applications and health/safety concerns (a critical issue for production and scale-up). Hence, this review offers a comprehensive discussion on technology, modeling, characterization, processing, manufacturing, applications, and health/safety concerns for polymer nanocomposites.

In a continuing study, three-dimensional elasticity solutions are constructed for rectangular laminates with pinned edges. The lamina tion geometry treated consists of arbitrary numbers of layers which can be isotropic or orthotropic with material symmetry axes parallel to the plate axes. Several specific example problems are solved, in cluding a sandwich plate, and compared to the analogous results in classical laminated plate theory.

Two related criteria based on stress distribution are presented for predicting the uniaxial tensile strength of laminated composites containing through the thickness discontinuities of a general shape. The criteria result in two parameter (unnotched tensile strength and a characteristic dimension) models which are capable of predicting observed discontinuity size effects without resorting to classical concepts of linear elastic fracture mechanics. As a direct consequence of the stress criteria, however, a relationship between Mode I fracture toughness and unnotched laminate tensile strength is determined. Limited comparison of theory to experimental data for circular holes and straight cracks yields good results. The simplicity of the analytical approach coupled with its generality make it of practical value to the designer.

A new decohesion element with the capability of dealing with crack propagation under mixed-mode loading is proposed and demonstrated. The element is used at the interface between solid finite elements to model the initiation and non-self-similar growth of delaminations in composite materials. A single relative displacement-based damage parameter is applied in a softening law to track the damage state of the interface and to prevent the restoration of the cohesive state during unloading. The softening law is applied in the three-parameter Benzeggagh-Kenane mode interaction criterion to predict mixed-mode delamination propagation. To demonstrate the accuracy of the predictions, steady-state delamination growth is simulated for quasi-static loading of various single mode and mixed-mode delamination test specimens and the results are compared with experimental data.

A modification of the original theories of Rayleigh and Maxwell permitted the deriva tion of expressions for the effective thermal conductivity of composites consisting of a continuous matrix phase with dilute concentrations of dispersions with spherical, cylin drical and flat plate geometry with a thermal barrier resistance at the interface between the components.

Limitations of classical laminated plate theory are investigated by comparing solutions of several specific boundary value problems in this theory to the corresponding theory of elasticity solutions. The general class of problems treated involves the geometric configuration of any number of isotropic or orthotropic layers bonded together and subjected to cylindrical bending. In general it is found that conventional plate theory leads to a very poor description of laminate response at low span-to-depth ratios, but converges to the exact solution as this ratio increases. The analysis presented is also valid in the study of sand wich plates under cylindrical bending.

Expressions are presented for the moisture distribution and the mois ture content as a function of time of one dimensional homogeneous and composite materials exposed either on one side or on both sides to humid air or to water. The results apply during both moisture absorption and desorption when the moisture content and the temperature of the environ ment are constant. Test procedures are described for determining experi mentally the values of the moisture content and the diffusivity of com posite materials. A series of tests using unidirectional and π/4 Graphite T-300 Fiberite 1034 composites were performed in the temperature range 300—425 K with the material submerged both in moist air (humidity 0 to 100%) and in water. The test data support the analytical results and pro vide the moisture absorption and desorption characteristics of such com posites. Extension of the results to materials exposed to time varying envi ronmental conditions is indicated.

Bounds on effective thermal expansion coefficients of isotropic and anisotropic composite materials consisting of isotropic phases are derived by employing extremum principles of thermoelasticity. Inequalities between certain approximate and exact forms of the potential and complementary energy functionals are first estab lished. These inequalities are then used in conjunction with a new method for minimizing the difference between upper and lower bounds in order to derive volumetric and linear thermal expansion coefficients. Application is made to two- and three-phase isotropic composites and a fiber-reinforced material. It is found for some important cases that the solutions are exact, and take a very simple form. We also show conditions under which the rule-of-mixtures and Turner's equation can be used for thermal expansion coeffi cients. Finally, simple methods for extending all results to viscoelastic composites are indicated.

The response of a finite-width composite laminate under uniform axial strain is treated through the application of classical elasticity theory. Finite-difference solution techniques are employed to obtain solutions for stresses and displacements throughout the region. Results for material properties typical of a high modulus graphite-epoxy composite material system are presented which explain the mechanism of shear transfer within a symmetric laminate. In addition, results of this work are compared to those given in a recent approximate formulation.