Finite element study on elastic transition in platelet reinforced composites

In this study, An FEM model was developed based on the Galerkin method for analyzing elastic stress field in a platelet reinforced composite subjected to axial load. The end of platelets were bonded to the matrix and the unit cell method was utilized to model the composite. Special boundary conditions were applied to the unit cell model. The FEM model developed according the Galerkin method for composite unit cell and then MATLAB software was used for the calculation of displacements, forces, strains and stresses on nodes. The obtained numerical results were then validated using analytical 3D and shear-lag models and ANSYS results. Then, composite elastic modulus was obtained and the effects of platelet volume fraction and aspect ratio on composite elastic modulus, platelet and matrix axial stress and interface shear stress were investigated.