Thermal Expansion Coefficients and Thermal Stresses in an Aligned Short Fiber Composite With Application to a Short Carbon Fiber/Aluminum

A formulation to compute the effective thermal expansion coefficients (α_c) of an anisotropic short fiber-reinforced composite and the thermal stress (σ) induced in and around the fiber is developed. The formulation is based on the Eshelby’s equivalent inclusion method. Main emphasis is placed on short Carbon fiber/Aluminum. The thermal stress due to a uniform temperature rise ΔT is computed at points just outside the fiber. The effects of various parameters on α_c and σ are also investigated.