Simulation Analysis of Composite Axial Tensile Failure Considering Fiber Strength Dispersion

Abstract

The axial strength limit of composites exhibits obvious dispersed characteristics. Based on the finite element simulation, using the Weibull distribution to describe the fiber strength, and considering the random distribution of fibers within the matrix, a representative volume element of composites was established in this article. The axial tensile failure of T300/BSL914C composites was studied and the effects of fiber tensile strength and volume fraction on the axial tensile strength of composites were analyzed. Results show that considering the influence of fiber strength dispersion, the fracture of fiber bundles exhibits a progressive failure during the composite tensile failure process, and before the fiber fracture, the interface is not subjected to stress. Axial tensile strength increases linearly with the increase of fiber tensile strength and volume fraction. The composite axial tensile strength could be improved by selecting high-strength fibers or increasing fiber volume fraction.