Mechanics of the Segmentation of an Embedded Fiber, Part I: Experimental Investigations

Abstract

Micromechanical modeling is an important aspect in the study of fiber-reinforced composites. In such studies, an important class of structural parameters is formed by the interaction between the matrix and the embedded fibers. These interactive processes can be investigated by an appeal to a test which involves the segmentation of an embedded fiber. This test is referred to as a “fragmentation test.” During a fragmentation test, two distinct fracture phenomena are observed. These phenomena are directly related to the integrity of bond between the embedded fiber and the matrix. The first phenomenon involves situations where the interface bond is weaker than the matrix material. In this case the fiber fragment ends will slip and in this region shear stresses are transmitted by friction and/or interlocking mechanical actions. In contrast, when the interface bond has stronger properties than the matrix material, cracking will occur in the matrix region. Here, a crack initiated in the fiber will propagate into the matrix region typically forming conoidal cracks, or combinations of conoidal and flat cracks. This paper describes the background of the fragmentation test and the associated experimental research. Attention is focused on the experimental evaluation of matrix fracture topographies encountered in the fragmentation test.