(Solved): A continuous and aligned epoxy-reinforced composite consists of 60 vol\% of glass fibres having a ...

A continuous and aligned epoxy-reinforced composite consists of 60 vol\% of glass fibres having a modulus of elasticity of \( 60 \mathrm{GPa} \) and 40 vol\% of a polyester resin that when hardened, displays a modulus of \( 2.5 \mathrm{GPa} \). 1.1 Compute the modulus of elasticity of this composite in the longitudinal direction. 1.2 If the cross-sectional area is \( 200 \mathrm{~mm} 2 \) and a stress of \( 45 \mathrm{MPa} \) is applied in this longitudinal direction, compute the magnitude of the load carried by each of the fibre and matrix phases. (6) 1.3 Determine the strain that is sustained by each phase when the stress in question \( 1.2 \) is applied. 1.4 Compute the elastic modulus of the composite material but assume that the stress is applied perpendicular to the direction of fibre alignment.