Elastic Behavior of Self-Healing Composites using a Micromechanical Model

In the present research, effects of thermal healing on the elastic behavior of self-healing composites have been investigated via a micromechanical model. Using a combined Mori-Tanaka method and classical lamination theory, composites were analyzed and the results compared with existing experimental results. The homogenization of fibers and matrix of cross-ply laminates was performed to create a single material with effective properties for the transverse and longitudinal directions of each ply. The transverse cracks are assumed as ellipsoidal inclusions with zero elastic properties. Then, the effective elastic stiffness of the damaged transverse plies was estimated as a function of the crack density. The crack healing was finally considered as a linear function of the temperature. The effective properties of the transverse and longitudinal plies were homogenized to construct the effective properties of the cross-ply laminate. The results of the model show a good agreement with the available experimental data.