The Influence of Fibre Cross Section Shape and Fibre Surface Roughness on Composite Micromechanics

Many of the carbon and natural fibres used in composite reinforcement have a non-circular cross section. Recently non-circular, or flat, section glass fibre products become commercially available. This paper explores potential effects that such shapes may on micromechanics stress transfer at fibre–matrix interface resulting changes strength performance. Analytical modelling is to show how critical length composites with always less when compared circular an equal cross-sectional area. can result significant performance discontinuous reinforced composites. Additionally, it shown surface roughness found fibres, many which are also section, decrease still further. These important consequences for use single micromechanical tests characterisation interfacial strength.