Strength and Elastic Modulus of a Randomly-Distributed Short Fiber Composite

Experimental results for tests of strength and elastic modulus of a randomly-distributed short fiber composite are reported in this paper. Three different tests were employed: tension, 3-point flexure, and 4-point flexure. A statistical approach based on Weibull distribution was applied to account for the difference between tensile and flexural test results. Mate rial variation, as exhibited in the experimental scatter for elastic modulus, and its effect on strength were shown not to be negligible. Test results also showed wider experimental scatter than observed with continuous fiber composites. Consequently considerable penalty had to be paid by reducing the design strength in order to assure the same level of confidence and reliability.