Fracture Mechanics and Mechanisms of Fiber-Reinforced Brittle Matrix Composites

Abstract

Among numerous microfracture processes and mechanisms of fiber-reinforced composites with brittle matrix, it is emphasized that the first matrix cracking, fiber bridging, and the fiber pullout processes are by far the most important for toughening composite materials. In the quantitative assessment of composite fractures, to characterize separately these fundamental micro-fracture processes and mechanisms is most essential. The individual processes and mechanisms are addressed and reviewed based on not only theoretical but also experimental aspects.