Question

Materials Engineering Composite

In a design assignment, you are asked to produce a continuous SiC fibre reinforced epoxy matrix
composite to achieve Young's modulus of 200 GPa along the aligned fibre direction, with the
density of the composite not exceeding 2 g/cm3. Calculate to show if such a composite is
achievable. The epoxy matrix to use has a Young's modulus of 3 GPa and a density of 1.3 g/cm3
and the continuous SiC fibre 400 GPa and 3 g/cm3. You are required to derive the equation needed
in the calculation and state any assumptions made. (Hint: The density of the composite follows the
same rule-of-mixtures equation as the longitudinal elastic modulus.)

Answer 1