There are numerous commercial applications which demand highly flexible, ductile materials which still possess adequate strength and creep resistance. O'Donnell Consulting Engineers, Inc., suggests that this combination of properties may be achieved by embedding short, strong fibers into a highly flexible matrix material. O'Donnell Consulting Engineers, Inc., proposes to assess the feasibility of achieving a desirable property balance theoretically on the basis of micro-mechanical models of short-fiber composites. With solutions to these models, parametric studies of the effects of the relevant microscopic variables on composite properties will be carried out, and conclusions regarding the feasibility will be drawn.The potential commercial application as described by the awardee: The proposed theoretical research will provide methods for designing new composites with increased flexibility, ductility, and toughness in combination with high strength and creep resistance.
