Strain-space plasticity analysis of fibrous composites

A strain-space formulation of plasticity theory for metal matrix fibrous composites is discussed. Specific results are obtained for a composite system in which the fibers are elastic until failure, while the matrix is of the Mises type, with kinematic hardening. The material model of the composite is based on the assumption that the fiber diameter is vanishingly small, and the fiber volume fraction is finite. Explicit expressions are obtained for instantaneous strain concentration factors in the phases, for the instantaneous overall stiffness, and for the overall loading surface and hardening rule during mechanical straining along a prescribed path.