The mechanics of thin elastic sheet reinforced with fiber mesh subjected to combined flexure and extension (Q6540393)

A three-dimensional continuum model for investigating the mechanical performance of elastomeric materials of shells reinforced with bidirectional fibers is presented. The neo-Hookean strain energy model for the matrix material of the fiber composite incorporates the strain energy of bidirectional fibers into the strain energy potential of the fiber composite. The variational principle is applied for deriving the constitutive relations, the normal and tangential shape equations of the fiber composite, and boundary conditions of bending and stretching. It is confirmed that a larger bending moment results in intensified out-of-plane deformation, while larger bilateral stretch decreases the out-of-plane deformation of fiber composite. Findings highlight the role of bilateral stretching acting as the prestress in reducing deflection and in enhancing strength. The theoretical investigations provide reasonable explanations for the resulting deformation of the overall fiber meshwork, validating that the fiber microstructure deformation determines the overall deformation of fiber composites when subjected to bending moment and tension. The proposed model provides some qualitatively explanations of the shaping of bamboo polylactic acid composites, and deformation of woven fabric.