PREDICTION OF ELASTIC PROPERTIES OF MULTIPHASE PREPREGS WITH MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS

Abstract

The paper presents a homogenization method and three original averaging methods to predict the elastic properties of commonly used multiphase pre-impregnated composite materials like Sheet Molding Compounds (SMCs) and Bulk Molding Compounds (BMCs). The upper and lower limits of the homogenized coefficients for a 27% fibres volume fraction SMC have been computed. The upper and lower limits of Young’s moduli as well as shear moduli have also been determined. A comparison between these limits of the homogenized elastic coefficients for a 27% fibres volume fraction SMC and the experimental data is presented. The estimation model used as a homogenization method of these heterogeneous composite materials, gave emphasis to a good agreement between this theoretical approach and experimental data. Due to their high mechanical properties and fire performance, these materials are used in aerospace and automotive applications.