Lower and upper bounds to the macroscopic strength domain of a fiber- reinforced composite material (Q1205231)

It is shown how a homogenization technique applied to yield design theory allows the derivation of two domains (in the space of macroscopic stresses) that are a lower and an upper bound to the composite strength domain. The dependence of these domains on the fiber content and on the shape of the fiber array is pointed out. Analytical equations for the approximate uniaxial macroscopic strength of composites with Drucker- Prager or von Mises type matrix are derived. For more complex stress conditions, the relevant strength domains are numerically evaluated as well.