Estimation of the reinforcement factor ξ for calculating the transverse stiffness E2 with the Halpin–Tsai equations using the finite element method. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Giner, Eugenio; Vercher, Ana; Marco, Miguel; Arango, Camila
• Is Part Of: Composite structures. Volume 124(2015)
• Page Start: 402
• Page End: 408
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: Reinforcement factor -- Transverse stiffness -- Unidirectional lamina -- Finite element analysis; Composite construction -- Periodicals; Composites -- Périodiques; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2015.01.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-8223

Abstract

Abstract: In this work, an estimation of the reinforcement factor ξ of the Halpin–Tsai equations used to calculate the transverse stiffness E 2 is provided. An improved estimation of the value ξ = 2 originally proposed by Halpin and Tsai is given through a set of finite element analyses that consider randomly distributed unidirectional fibers for different volume fractions. The analysis overcomes the original hypothesis of a square array distribution of fibers in the transverse plane. It is concluded that a value of ξ = 1.5 is a better estimation for the usual volume fractions found in practice for a unidirectional lamina of fiber reinforced composites.