Analytical and numerical analyses for two-dimensional stress transfer

Both analytical modeling and numerical simulations were performed to analyze the stress transfer in platelet-reinforced composites in a two-dimensional sense. In the two-dimensional model, an embedded elongated plate bonded to a matrix along its long edges was considered. The system was subjected to both tensile loading parallel to the plate's long edges and residual thermal stresses. The ends of the plate can be debonded from or bonded to the matrix during loading, and both cases were considered in the analysis. Good agreement was obtained between the present analytical and numerical solutions. However, better agreement between analytical and numerical models was obtained for the case of bonded ends than for debonded ends. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.