The Effect of Matrix Plasticity and Duplicate Cuts on Stress Distribution in Short and Long Fibers of a Hybrid Composite Lamina (Perfect Bond Model)

Stress distribution in short and long fibers and their surrounding matrix bays of a finite width hybrid composite lamina is examined. The lamina is subjected to a tensile load of magnitude P at infinity, while its matrix is assumed to take only shear (shear-lag theory). The bay adjacent to the first intact filament is allowed to experience a plastic zone of size 2a, due to excessive shear load owned by cracks formed by double cuts along each filament. The plastic zone is assumed to behave as elastic–perfectly plastic. The short fibers are simulated by assuming two successive breaks along each filament. The effect of the plastic zone on short fiber load bearing capability, as well as stress concentration in the first intact filament is fully investigated. The effect of hybridization, in the presence of the plastic zone, is also examined on short fiber load bearing behavior.