The relationship between tensile strength and flexure strength in fiber-reinforced composites

Tensile data on unidirectional composites generated from a flexure test usually yield a higher strength than observed from a standard tensile coupon. According to a statistical-strength theory based on a Weibull distribution, the presence of a stress gradient in the flexure-test results in an apparent increase in tensile strength as compared to the tensile test under uniform stress. In the present paper, this concept is explored by utilizing data from unidirectional graphite-epoxy composites to compare with theoretical results generated from a two-parameter Weibull distribution. A larger variation in tensile strength is observed from tensile-coupon data than from flexure data. Such differences are not in accordance with strength theories based on a uniform flaw distribution and raise questions concerning variability of the test methods, as well as sources of material variability.     

Effects of non-uniform strains on tensile fracture of fiber-reinforced ceramic composites

Effects of non-uniform strains on tensile fracture of fiber-reinforced ceramic–matrix composites have not been satisfactorily explained by existing mechanics-based models. In this paper, we use an exact model of fiber fragmentation under global load sharing conditions to predict fracture in three model problems in which non-uniform strains occur: (i) an end-constrained plate subject to a linear transverse temperature gradient; (ii) an internally-pressurized cylindrical tube with a linear through-thickness temperature gradient; and (iii) a rectangular beam under combined bending and tension. Fracture is assumed to occur when the global load reaches a maximum value. Approximations to the exact fragmentation model are also assessed, with the goal of decoupling the effects of two important parts of the computed stress–strain response: the rate of post-peak strain softening and the magnitude of the plateau “flow” stress once fiber fragmentation is complete. We find that for cases in which the fiber Weibull modulus is low and hence its plateau strength is high relative to its peak and the loading yields a sufficiently high strain gradient, the failure strain lies in the plateau regime. Consequently, the results can be predicted with good accuracy using a perfectly-plastic representation of the post-peak response. In contrast, for cases in which the fiber Weibull modulus is high, the failure strain lies in the softening portion of the curve. Here a linear-softening model is found to yield accurate results. A preliminary assessment of the model has been made by comparing predicted and measured bending/tension strength and failure strain ratios for one specific composite. The correlations appear good, though additional experiments are required in order to critically assess the model predictions over a range of loading scenarios.     

Connections between different models describing imperfect interfaces in periodic fiber-reinforced composites

The paper addresses the problem of modeling of fiber reinforced composites with imperfect bonding between the matrix and the inhomogeneities. The imperfections of different kinds are usually modeled as either layered inhomogeneities or by springs of certain stiffnesses distributed along the matrix/fiber interfaces. We compare the two approaches for the case of incompressible layer between the phases and calculate effective properties of fiber reinforced composites with periodic square arrays of fibers possessing imperfect contact with the surrounding material. We identify the interval of thickness at which the interphase does not influence the effective properties and show how the imperfection effects described by different models can be expressed in terms of each other.     

Neo-Hookean fiber-reinforced composites in finite elasticity

The response of a transversely isotropic fiber-reinforced composite made out of two incompressible neo-Hookean phases undergoing finite deformations is considered. An expression for the effective energy-density function of the composite in terms of the properties of the phases and their spatial distribution is developed. For the out-of-plane shear and extension modes this expression is based on an exact solution for the class of composite cylinder assemblages. To account for the in-plane shear mode we incorporate an exact result that was recently obtained for a special class of transversely isotropic composites. In the limit of small deformation elasticity the expression for the effective behavior agrees with the well-known Hashin-Shtrikman bounds. The predictions of the proposed constitutive model are compared with corresponding numerical simulation of a composite with a hexagonal unit cell. It is demonstrated that the proposed model accurately captures the overall response of the periodic composite under any general loading modes.     

Localization due to damage in fiber-reinforced composites

Fiber pull-out is one of the fracture features of fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites. The onset of this mechanism is predicted by using Continuum Damage Mechanics, and corresponds to a localization of the deformations. Alter deriving two damage models from a uniaxial bundle approach, different configurations are analysed through analytical and numerical (F.E. calculations) methods. For one model some very simple criteria can be derived, whereas for the second one none of these criteria can be derived and the general criterion of localization has to be used.     

Influence of the loading path on the strength of fiber-reinforced composites subjected to transverse compression and shear

The influence of the loading path on the failure locus of a composite lamina subjected to transverse compression and out-of-plane shear is analyzed through computational micromechanics. This is carried out using the finite element simulation of a representative volume element of the microstructure, which takes into account explicitly fiber and matrix spatial distribution within the lamina. In addition, the actual failure mechanisms (plastic deformation of the matrix and interface decohesion) are included in the simulations through the corresponding constitutive models. Two different interface strength values were chosen to explore the limiting cases of composites with strong or weak interfaces. It was found that failure locus was independent of the loading path for the three cases analyzed (pseudo-radial, compression followed by shear and shear followed by compression) in the composites with strong and weak interfaces. This result was attributed to the fact that the dominant failure mechanism in each material was the same in transverse compression and in shear. Failure is also controlled by the same mechanisms under a combination of both stresses and the failure locus depended mainly on the magnitude of the stresses that trigger fracture rather than in the loading path to reach the critical condition.     

On tensile instabilities and ellipticity loss in fiber-reinforced incompressible non-linearly elastic solids

Loss of ellipticity and associated failure in fiber-reinforced non-linearly elastic solids is examined for uniaxial plane deformations. We consider separately fiber reinforcement that either endows the material with additional stiffness only in the fiber direction or introduces additional stiffness under shear deformations. In the first case it is shown that loss of ellipticity under tensile loading in the fiber direction corresponds to a turning point of the nominal stress and requires concavity of the Cauchy stress–stretch curve. For the second example loss of ellipticity occurs after the nominal stress maximum and prior to a turning point of the Cauchy stress.     

On the relationship between critical tensile stress and fracture toughness in mild steel

An analysis is presented which relates the critical value of tensile stress (σ_f) for unstable cleavage fracture to the fracture toughness (K_Ic) for a high-nitrogen mild steel under plane strain conditions. The correlation is based on (i) the model for cleavage cracking developed by E. Smith and (ii) accurate plastic-elastic solutions for the stress distributions ahead of a sharp crack derived by J. R. Rice and co-workers. Unstable fracture is found to be consistent with the attainment of a stress intensification close to the tip such that the maximum principal stress σ_yy exceeds σ_f over a characteristic distance, determined as twice the grain size. The model is seen to predict the experimentally determined variation of K_Ic with temperature over the range -150 to -75°C from a knowledge of the yield stress and hardening properties. It is further shown that the onset of fibrous fracture ahead of the tip can be deduced from the position of the maximum achievable stress intensification. The relationship between the model for fracture ahead of a sharp crack, and that ahead of a rounded notch, is discussed in detail.     

Damage assessment through electrical resistance measurement in graphite fiber-reinforced composites

Experimental Techniques -     

纤维复合材料界面横向拉伸分析

以单纤维十字型横向拉伸试验为研究对象,对纤维/基体界面采用弹性-软化双线性内聚力模型,建立了纤维复合材料在横向拉伸作用下界面法向失效过程的解析模型。得到了沿纤维/基体圆周界面的法向应力分布,纤维/基体界面的状态与界面承载力和单纤维复合材料承载力的关系,以及内聚力参数和试件几何尺寸对它们的影响。结果表明:纤维/基体圆周界面在脱粘前经历全部弹性及弹性+软化两种状态;当界面为弹性状态时,界面法向应力随界面强度线性增加;当界面为弹性+软化状态时,界面软化范围随界面裂纹萌生位移的增加而增大;界面初始脱粘位置与拉伸荷载方向重合;界面初始脱粘时的界面承载力随界面强度及界面裂纹萌生位移的增加而增加,随界面裂纹生成位移的增加而降低;单纤维复合材料的脱粘荷载受基体截面尺寸的影响,当纤维体积含量相同时,沿荷载方向截面尺寸的增大对提高脱粘荷载更显著。     

Failure surface of epoxy-modified fiber-reinforced composites under transverse tension and out-of-plane shear

The mechanical behavior of uniaxially fiber-reinforced composites with a ductile rubber-toughened epoxy matrix was studied through the finite element analysis of a RVE of the composite microstructure. The fibers were represented by elastic and isotropic solids, while the rubber-modified epoxy matrix behaved as a elasto-viscoplastic solid. The matrix flow stress followed the model developed by Jeong [Jeong, H.-Y., 2002. A new yield function and a hydrostatic stress-controlled void nucleation model for porous solids with pressure-sensitive matrices. International Journal of Solids and Structures 39, 1385–1403.], which included the inherent pressure-sensitivity of the yield stress in the epoxy matrix, the damage due to the cavitation of the rubber particles and subsequent void growth, and the particular features of elastic–viscoplastic behavior in glassy polymers, particularly the intrinsic softening upon yield followed by hardening. Composites with either perfect or weak fiber/matrix interfaces (the latter introduced through cohesive elements) were studied to assess the influence of interface strength on the composite behavior. Simulations under transverse tension and out-of-plane shear were carried out to establish the effect of loading conditions on the dominant deformation and failure micromechanisms. In addition, the corresponding failure locus was obtained and compared with the predictions of current phenomenological failure criteria for composites. The range of validity of these criteria and the areas for further improvement were established by comparison with the numerical results.     

Notched tensile strength for long- and short-fiber reinforced polyamide

The point stress criterion and the average stress criterion are applied for evaluating the notched tensile strength of injection-moulded plates with machined and moulded-in notches. Use is made of a characteristic length which is found to be geometry and material dependent.     

A study of fracture in fiber-reinforced cement-based composites using laser holographic interferometry

Micromechanisms of matrix fracture in Portland cement-based fiber composites were studied by means of reflection holographic interferometry and quantitative image analysis. An experimental investigation was conducted with different volume concentrations of polypropylene fibers. Uniaxial tensile specimens were loaded within a strain range of up to three percent. The deformation history was recorded as interference holograms. The holograms were acquired in an image-analysis system. After enhancement, they were analyzed for crack density, length, opening profile, and spacing. The evolution of microcracks, their propagation, distributed microcracking and the material response beyond the characteristic damage state are also discussed.     

Micromechanics and structural response of functionally graded,particulate-matrix,fiber-reinforced composites

Reinforcement of fibrous composites by stiff particles embedded in the matrix offers the potential for simple, economical functional grading, enhanced response to mechanical loads, and improved functioning at high temperatures. Here, we consider laminated plates made of such a material, with spherical reinforcement tailored by layer. The moduli for this material lie within relatively narrow bounds. Two separate moduli estimates are considered: a “two-step” approach in which fibers are embedded in a homogenized particulate matrix, and the Kanaun–Jeulin (Kanaun, S.K., Jeulin, D., 2001. Elastic properties of hybrid composites by the effective field approach. Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids 49, 2339–2367) approach, which we re-derive in a simple way using the Benveniste (1988) method. Optimal tailoring of a plate is explored, and functional grading is shown to improve the performance of the structures considered. In the example of a square, simply supported, cross-ply laminated panel subjected to uniform transverse pressure, a modest functional grading offers significant improvement in performance. A second example suggests superior blast resistance of the panel achieved at the expense of only a small increase in weight.     

Sensitivity and randomness in homogenization of periodic fiber-reinforced composites via the response function method

The main issue this paper addresses is the derivation and implementation of a general homogenization method, including the simultaneous determination of sensitivity gradients and probabilistic moments of the effective elasticity tensor. This is possible with an application of the perturbation method based on Taylor expansion and with the effective modules method. The computational procedure is implemented using plane strain analysis carried out with the finite element method (program MCCEFF) and the symbolic computations system MAPLE. The sensitivity gradients and probabilistic moments are commonly determined on the basis of partial derivatives for the homogenized elasticity tensor, calculated using the response function method with respect to some composite parameters. They are subjected separately to a normalization procedure (in deterministic analysis) and the relevant algebraic combinations (for the stochastic case). This enriched homogenization procedure is tested on a periodic fiber-reinforced two component composite, where the material parameters are taken as design variables and then, the input random quantities. The results of computational analysis are compared against the results of the central finite difference approach in the case of sensitivity gradients determination as well as the direct Monte-Carlo simulation approach. This numerical methodology may be further applied not only in the context of the homogenization method, but also to extend various discrete computational techniques, such as Boundary/Finite element and finite difference together with various meshless methods.     

The role of interfaces in enhancing the yield strength of composites and polycrystals

A deformation-theory version of strain-gradient plasticity is employed to assess the influence of microstructural scale on the yield strength of composites and polycrystals. The framework is that recently employed by Fleck and Willis (J. Mech. Phys. Solids 52 (2004) 1855-1888), but it is enhanced by the introduction of an interfacial “energy” that penalises the build-up of plastic strain at interfaces. The most notable features of the new interfacial potential are: (a) internal surfaces are treated as surfaces of discontinuity and (b) the scale-dependent enhancement of the overall yield strength is no longer limited by the “Taylor” or “Voigt” upper bound. The variational structure associated with the theory is developed in generality and its implications are demonstrated through consideration of simple one-dimensional examples. Results are presented for a single-phase medium containing interfaces distributed either periodically or randomly.