Mechanics of Natural Composites

Abstract

This study was initiated to investigate the structural response of the bessbeetle to determine potential advantageous ramifications and effects on the optimization of synthetic composite materials. The result of the micromechanics sensitivity study of various parameters are presented. Variables such as fiber size and shape, fiber volume fraction, ratio of modulus of elasticity of fiber over matrix, are changed one variable at a time, and the response quantities such as stress and tranverse modulus are presented.