Observations on the Fibre Distribution and Fibre Strain in a Woven Fabric Rein-forcement

摘要

The distribution of the fibres within a tow of a plain weave fabric composite appears to be non-uniform with a systematic variation. In a different composite system, the strain along a fibre in a similar fabric has been shown to vary along each individual filament in an ordered manner. It is proposed that the highest fibre strains occur at the centre of the tow crossing points. An optical micrograph of matrix cracking in the transverse tows adjacent to the proposed highest strain point would appear to confirm this hypothesis. This analysis is based on limited evidence, but is presented to permit other researchers to confirm or refute the proposition.