Modeling of elastic stress transfer in fiber-reinforced composites

Stress transfer in fiber-reinforced composites plays an important role in determining the mechanical properties of composites. The shear lag model has been used extensively to analyze this stress transfer. To achieve analytical solutions, various simplifications have been adopted in the stress analysis. Questions regarding the adequacy of those simplifications are discussed in this review for two cases: bonded interfaces and frictional interfaces. Specifically, simplifications regarding Poisson's effect and the radial dependencies of axial stresses in the fiber and the matrix are addressed. The results obtained from analyses with various simplifications are compared. Also, in the case of an embedded fiber, stress transfer occurs at both the interface along the fiber length and the ends of the fiber. However, the boundary condition at the bonded ends is ambiguous. The techniques for resolving this ambiguity are reviewed. ? 1995 Elsevier Science Ltd.