Computer Simulation of Various Fracture Mechanisms in Fibrous Composite Materials

Abstract

Strength properties and failure appearance of composites are predicted by computer simulation of fracture processes. Four fracture mechanisms have been simulated: fiber breaks by loading, fiber breaks by overloading, debonding of broken fiber ends from matrix, matrix cracks adjoining the location of fiber breaks. The “switch on” criteria of the micromechanisms are obtained by analysis of the stress redistribution induced by the breaks in a composite. Some dynamic effects are taken into consideration. Simulation results agree satisfactorily with experimental data of a C-Al composite prepared by the forced transfusing method. The fiber-to-matrix bond strength influence on composite strength and failure appearance is investigated.