ELASTO-PLASTIC BEHAVIOR OF THERMOPLASTIC MATRIX ROLLER CHAIN LINK PLATES REINFORCED WITH STEEL FIBERS

Abstract

The elastic and elasto-plastic stress analysis of thermoplastic matrix roller chain link plates reinforced with steel fibers is performed by using Finite Elements Analysis (FEA). A two-dimensional finite element computer program is developed for elasto-plastic stress analysis. Isoparametric quadratic element with four nodes is used with Lagrange polynomial as an interpolation function. The results of elastic and elasto-plastic finite element stress analysis by using the computer program prepared, are compared with experimental, (photoelastic) results. The spreads of the plastic zones due to the external load applied on the pin-hole of the plate and variations of the residual stresses are determined in different orientation angles and loads. It is shown that the geometry of the link plates can be designed to decrease the stress concentrations. Furthermore, it is shown that the tensile load limit of the roller chain link plate is extended by the residual stresses. Copyright © 2000 by ASME.