On the Differences Between Cord-Rubber Composites and Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

摘要

Approaches and computational capabilities in structural modeling of cord-rubber composites (CRC) are often based on similar well established solutions for fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRP). Although there are many similarities between CRC and FRP, there are crucial distinctions in their structural behavior and, therefore, in their modeling. This study presents a systematic review of these differences, aims to understand their nature, and provides their quantitative estimations for typical CRC materials. Major explanations of the differences are proposed. Among others, the following issues are discussed in detail: non-linearity and incompressibility of matrix, relatively big size of cords, relatively low stiffness of rubber, and deformation mechanisms of laminated CRC. The differences are discussed at several scales of structural modeling: components, micro-mechanics of uni-directional CRC, macro-mechanics of CRC, and laminated CRC. Finally, representative numerical results are demonstrated for typical CRC materials to emphasize important observations and explain their impact on predictive accuracy and confidence.