Composite Materials Equivalent Properties In Lamina, Laminate, And Structure Levels

Abstract

Increasing use of thick composite structures requires a large model for structural analysis. In the analysis, equivalent properties of composites are often used. The equivalent properties of a composite are defined as the properties of a homogeneous orthotropic composite to representative an anisotropic heterogeneous composite material.A set of equations for equivalent mechanical and thermal properties in lamina and laminate as well as structures was developed. The developed model for lamina and laminate of composite was based upon the equivalent structural characteristics of 0⁰ lamina and homogenized 0⁰ laminate for lamina and laminate level, respectively. The concept of narrow beam was enforced in an I-beam serving as an example for structural level. Laminates with symmetric/unsymmetrical, balanced/unbalanced or combined layup was used for study. Results indicate the equivalent properties exhibiting a significant difference in laminate with unsymmetrical and unbalanced layup comparing with FEM results.