S-glass/Kevlar-149 hybrid microcomposites in stress-rupture: A Monte Carlo simulation

Abstract

The stress-rupture failure of S-glass/Kevlar-149 seven-fiber microcomposites was modeled by employing a Monte Carlo method, taking into account matrix creep effects and fiber lifetime. While being obtained at low computational cost, the simulated data compared favourably with experimental results. The critical cluster sizes for the respective specimens were obtained directly from the simulation. Their frequency distribution was the subject of special attention. Parametric studies were carried out to examine the influence of matrix creep and the lifetime and stiffness of the single fiber on the failure process. It was found that failure of the hybrid microcomposites under consideration is driven by single-fiber failure rather than by matrix creep effects. However, it appears that the lifetime of a Kevlar-149 fiber is increased significantly when it is embedded in an epoxy matrix.