• Composites Research
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.235-244
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• 2013

A volume integral equation method (VIEM) is introduced for the solution of elastostatic problems in an unbounded isotropic elastic solid containing multiple isotropic elliptical fibers of arbitrary orientation subject to uniform stress at infinity. The fibers are assumed to be long parallel elliptical cylinders composed of isotropic elastic material perfectly bonded to the isotropic matrix. The solid is assumed to be under plane strain on the plane normal to the cylinders. A detailed analysis of the stress field at the matrix-fiber interface for square and hexagonal packing of the fibers is carried out for different values of the number, orientation angles and concentration of the elliptical fibers. The accuracy and efficiency of the method are examined through comparison with results obtained from analytical and finite element methods.

• Composites Research
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.37-48
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• 2011

A volume integral equation method (VIEM) is introduced for the solution of elastostatic problems in an unbounded isotropic elastic solids containing interacting multiple isotropic or anisotropic elliptical inclusions subject to remote uniaxial tension. The method is applied to two-dimensional problems involving long parallel elliptical cylindrical inclusions. A detailed analysis of stress field at the interface between the matrix and the central inclusion is carried out for square and hexagonal packing of the inclusions. Effects of the number of isotropic or anisotropic elliptical inclusions and various fiber volume fractions for the circular inclusion circumscribing its respective elliptical inclusion on the stress field at the interface between the matrix and the central inclusion are also investigated in detail. The accuracy and efficiency of the method are examined through comparison with results obtained from analytical and finite element methods. The method is shown to be very accurate and effective for investigating the local stresses in composites containing isotropic or anisotropic elliptical fibers.