Comparative assessment of stress transfer efficiency in tension and compression

Abstract

Raman spectroscopy is used to get an insight into the microstructural aspects of the compressional behaviour of carbon fibre composites. This is done by a comparative assessment of the stress transfer efficiency in tension and compression in single-fibre discontinuous model geometries. It was found that the axial stress is transferred in the fibre through the generation of shear stresses at the interface. The mechanism of stress transfer is independent of the loading mode. Furthermore, the values of maximum interfacial shear stress are a function of the applied strain for both tension and compression loading. Significant differences were found, however, in the mode of failure of the two systems. In tension, interfacial failure initiates from the fibre ends at relatively high applied strains and the stress transfer efficiency is affected by the onset of matrix plasticity. On the other hand, in compression, deterioration of the stress transfer efficiency occurs prior to any noticeable interfacial failure at the fibre ends due to fibre collapse at low strains. Finally, it is worth noting that in compression, the fibre fragments remain in contact, and thus can still bear load.