A Comparative Study of Analytical and Numerical Evaluation of Elastic Properties of Short Fiber Composites

Unlike the case of continuous fiber composites, the prediction of elastic properties of short fiber composites using the corresponding elastic properties of constituents is not a straight forward task. Many authors have attempted to predict the properties using completely either by analytical or by experimental methods or a combination of both leading to empirical solutions. The current trend is to use the well known numerical solution Finite element method (FEM) to model the short fiber composite to predict their properties. In this paper, a RVE (Representative Volume Element) approach is used to model, with appropriate boundary and loading conditions and application of homogenization process to estimate elastic properties. The present values are compared with the available experimental and analytical solutions. The methods that best match with the current FE solutions are highlighted. (paper)