c

b

a

Diagram 3 where all the fibres are aligned parallel to the loading direction.

Stiffness is highest when the fibres are arranged randomly.

Daigram 2 where all fibrers are aligned perpendicular to the loading direction

Diagram 4 where 50% of the fibres are aligned parallel and 50% are aligned perpendicular to the loading direction.

Diagram 1 where 50% of the fibres are aligned at 45 degrees to the right and 50% are aligned at 45 degrees to the left of the loading direction.

To increase the ductility of the fibres

To provide a ductile matrix for high stiffness fibres to generate unique sets of mechanical properties

To decrease the density of the composite

To decrease the cost of the composite

To allow different colours and finishes to be generated

6.9 GPa

7.0 GPa

4.3 GPa

5.4 GPa

Diagram 3 where all the fibres are aligned parallel to the loading direction.

Stiffness is highest when the fibres are arranged randomly.

Daigram 2 where all fibrers are aligned perpendicular to the loading direction

Diagram 4 where 50% of the fibres are aligned parallel and 50% are aligned perpendicular to the loading direction.

Diagram 1 where 50% of the fibres are aligned at 45 degrees to the right and 50% are aligned at 45 degrees to the left of the loading direction.

c

b

a

The modulus is higher when the composite is loaded perpendicular to the fibres, than when it is loaded parallel to the fibres, since the matrix carries all the load in the first case and the fibres carry all the load in the second case.

The modulus is higher when the composite is loaded perpendicular to the fibres, than when it is loaded parallel to the fibres, since the modulus is higher than the weighted average of the modulus of the fibres and the modulus of the matrix in the first case, but is just the weighted average of the modulus of the fibres and the modulus of the matrix in the second case.

The modulus is higher when the composite is loaded parallel to the fibres, than when it is loaded perpendicular to the fibres, since the modulus is the weighted average of the modulus of the fibres and the modulus of the matrix in first case, but is lower than the weighted average of the modulus of the fibres and the modulus of the matrix in the second case.

The modulus is higher when the composite is loaded parallel to the fibres, than when it is loaded perpendicular to the fibres, since the fibres carry all the load in the first case and the matrix carries all the load in the second case.

To increase the ductility of the fibres

To provide a ductile matrix for high stiffness fibres to generate unique sets of mechanical properties

To decrease the density of the composite

To decrease the cost of the composite

To allow different colours and finishes to be generated