Micromechanical Analysis of Flat Multilayer Composites

ABSTRACT A micromechanical model has been developed to predict effective tensile properties of a flat, planar, multilayer composite based on the tensile properties of each component layer with emphasis on the Young's modulus. The model is challenged to characterize a composite membrane comprised of a central amorphous fluoropolymer layer bound by an upper and lower layer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. Experimental measurements of Young's modulus are shown to be in reasonable to excellent agreement with predicted values. Further, the model demonstrates a means to predict tensile properties along material coordinates that might not be readily navigated using typical experimental techniques. Given the favorable results, the model establishes confidence and a firm foundation for future experiments seeking to characterize the stress distribution within planar composite materials resulting from imposed mechanical and/or thermal perturbation.