Large deformation response of a hyperelastic fibre reinforced composite: Theoretical model and numerical validation

The mechanical behaviour of an incompressible neo-Hookean material directionally reinforced with a generalised neo-Hookean fibre is examined in the finite deformation regime. To consider the interaction between the fibre and the matrix, we use a composite model for this transversely isotropic material based on a multiplicative decomposition of deformation, which decouples the uniaxial deformation along the fibre direction from the remaining shear deformation. The model is then verified numerically by a unit cell model with periodic boundary conditions. The strain energy stored in the unit cell is compared with the energy predicted by the proposed theoretical model and excellent agreement is reported.