Author(s)

A.S. Hussain & R.J. Young

Abstract

Finite element modelling has been used to model the effects of moisture absorption in single fibre reinforced epoxy-matrix composite systems. The composite geometries are based on the previous experimental investigation by Bannister [2, 4] and consist of a single fibre embedded in a diffusion slab (DS), and a single fibre protruding from opposite ends of a slab (DFPO). The FE work produced axial fibre strain profiles consistent with previous [2, 4, 9] experimental work for both composite geometries. The role that the embedded depth of the fibre has on the fibre strain profile was investigated. This was achieved by having the fibre kept in the centre of a matrix of variable thickness, and also by varying the depth of a fibre in a matrix of constant thickness. It is shown here that

Keywords