On the effective elastic properties based on mean-field homogenization of sheet molding compound composites

Fiber reinforced polymers, for example sheet molding compounds (SMC), have gained significant importance as lightweight materials. In this work, a SMC composite based on unsaturated polyester-polyurethane hybrid resin (UPPH) reinforced with discontinuous long glass fibers is considered. The mechanical behavior of this composite is highly governed by its microstructure. Based on samples extracted from compression molded sheets, the underlying...