Fracture mechanics of unidirectional fibrous composites with metal matrix under compression

Two different approaches are used to evaluate the critical loads of the unidirectional fiber composites. They are based on the three-dimensional linearized elasticity theory. The constituents of the composite are assumed to have elastoplastic behavior. In the first approach, the composite is assumed to be homogeneous and orthotropic at the continuum level while the second approach assumes piecewise homogeneity where the fiber and matrix interaction at the interfaces are accounted for. For different ratios of the fiber and matrix moduli, critical loads and deformations are obtained and compared with experimental values.