A modeling study on residual stress-induced interfacial debonding and stress–strain behavior of weakly bonded UD composites

Abstract

Abstract Residual stress-induced interfacial debonding and its influence on stress–strain behavior of unidirectional fiber-reinforced brittle matrix composites with weak interface were studied using mini-composite model by means of the two-dimensional shear lag analysis combined with a Monte Carlo method. Damages (fracture of fiber, matrix and interface) were accumulated intermittently, resulting in serrated stress–strain curve. In this process, the residual stresses changed the strain, order and location of occurrence of damages, and consequently the shape of stress–strain curve and strength of composite. Under the existence of compressive and tensile axial residual stresses in fiber and matrix, respectively, the fracture of the matrix and the debonding from the fracture-ends of matrix were enhanced, while the fracture of fiber and the debonding from the fracture-ends of fiber were suppressed. The residual stress-induced premature fracture of the matrix, followed by debonding, reduced the strength of composite.