A plane stress formulation for elastic-plastic deformation of unidirectional composites

A plane stress analysis of the elastic-plastic deformation of unidirectional composites is presented. A continuum model based on the solid-mixture concept is selected as the basis for the analysis. Model parameters, including process-dependent variables, are deduced from experiments performed on unidirectional composites. A computer program MET1MAT has been developed accordingly and tested for a few simple in-plane loading cases. Experimental data for uniaxial tests performed in longitudinal and transverse directions and for a few biaxial tests are presented to substantiate the analysis. And, finally, application of the results to laminated metal matrix composites is discussed.