Analyses of single fiber pushout considering interfacial friction and adhesion

Abstract

The development of interfacial debonding and the associated stress fields in the single-fiber pushout specimen are extremely complex. Interfacial zones continually evolve during loading and the stress fields are affected by the adhesive and frictional properties of the interface. In this work we describe solutions to several boundary value problems useful for interpreting the experimental data obtained from a fiber pushout test. The analyses are conducted using two numerical methods, namely axisymmetric damage model and finite element method. Both techniques are capable of modeling zones of adhesion, friction, and open-cracks at the fiber–matrix interface. Numerical results are generated for a polyester fiber and epoxy matrix specimen for which prior experimental pushout results are available. The paper illustrates the complexity of micromechanical stress fields at the fiber–matrix interface and proposes some guidelines in terms of key boundary value problems, which are required to deduce interface properties from fiber pushout experiments.