A model study of the effective Young´s modulus for randomly distributed short-fiber composites

Abstract

This report provides an overview of a set of macro-mechanical models for the effective Young’s modulus of short fiber composites. Various models are found in the literature with varying complexity, ranging from simple rule of mixtures models to more sophisticated models explicitly taking into account the fiber length and the fiber orientation distribution. The models can be used as a tool for a better understanding of the material properties and material behavior, and are valuable additions to the knowledge obtained from experimental tests. In addition, representative and accurate material models are essential in finite element method (FEM) analyses. FEM modeling is nowadays applied in the design and development of most complex structures.