Transverse strength of metal matrix composites reinforced with strongly bonded continuous fibers in regular arrangements

The composite limit flow stress for transverse loading of metal matrix composites reinforced with a regular array of uniform continuous fibers is calculated using the finite element method. The effects of volume fraction and matrix work hardening are investigated for fibers of circular cross section distributed in both sqyare and hexagonal arrangements. The hexagonal arrangement is seen to behave isotropically with respect to the limit stress,...