Prediction of Tensile Strength of Unidirectional Carbon Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Matrix Composites with Spring Element Model

Abstract

This paper describes a simulation method for predicting tensile strength of unidirectional fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix composites using a spring element model (SEM).The strengths predicted with SEM are compared with experimentally-obtained data to demonstrate the potential of the SEM. It is found that by utilizing the bimodal Weibull distribution for estimation of fiber strength distribution, the strengths predicted with the SEM are in a reasonable agreement with those acquired by resin-impregnated strand tensile tests. We then also showed that the improvement in the fiber strength distribution in the short gauge length is needed as well as the strength distribution in long gauge length to enhance the tensile strength of the composites.