Evaluation of elastic modulus for unidirectionally aligned short fiber composites

An analytical approach of to reinforcement for of short fiber reinforced composites has been extended to include the estimation of elastic modulus. The model is based on the theoretical development of shear lag theory developed by Cox for unidirectionally Aligned aligned Short short Fiber fiber Compositescomposites. Thus, the evolution of conventional models is described in detail along with the effect on the modulus of various parameters. Results are shown with experimental data as well as the comparison of other theories. It is found that the present model agrees well with experimental data and resolves some of the discrepancies among the previous models. It is also found that the present model is very accurate yet relatively simple to predict Young’s modulus of discontinuous composites and has the capability to correctly predict the effects of fiber aspect ratio, fiber volume fraction, and fiber/matrix modulus ratio.