MICROBUCKLE INITIATION IN FIBER COMPOSITES - A FINITE-ELEMENT STUDY

A finite strain continuum theory is presented for unidirectional fibre reinforced composites under in-plane loading. The constitutive response is expressed in terms of couple stress theory, and is deduced from a unit cell of a linear elastic Timoshenko beam embedded in a non-linear elastic-plastic matrix. The continuum theory is implemented within a finite element framework and is used to analyse compressive failure of polymer matrix composites by fibre microbuckling. It is assumed that microbuckling initiates from an imperfection in the form of a finite elliptical region of fibre waviness. The calculations show that the compressive strength decreases with increasing imperfection spatial size from the elastic bifurcation value of Rosen (1965, Fibre Composite Materials, pp. 37-75, American Society Metals Seminar) to the imperfection-sensitive infinite band strength given by Fleck et al.[1995, J. Appl. Mech. 62, 329-337.].