Interfacial phenomena in the fracture resistance of interfaces

Author(s):  
A. G. Evans

In composite systems, the mechanical response of interfaces to the approach of cracks that initially form either in the matrix or in the fiber dominates the mechanical performance. In particular, in brittle matrix composites, the interface must have a sufficiently low fracture resistance compared with that of both the fiber and matrix that the crack diverts into the interface and debonds the fiber, Thereafter, the debonded fiber must be able to slide against the matrix with a low friction stress in order to inhibit fiber failure and thus enhance pull-out. These processes are schematically illustrated in Fig. 1. Mechanics investigations have established requirements concerning debonding and sliding that must be satisfied in order to achieve good composite properties. At the simplest level, these studies reveal that the fracture energy of the interface should be less than about one-third that of either the fiber or the matrix.

1992 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 3132-3138 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.E. Dève ◽  
S. Schmauder

The incorporation of ductile fibers in brittle matrices can lead to a significant increase in fracture resistance. The increase in toughness that derives from crack bridging is governed by the properties of the matrix/fiber interface and the ductility of the fibers. The current study addresses the role of interface sliding stress on the toughness of brittle composites reinforced with ductile fibers. The debond length is explicitly related to the interface sliding stress and the properties of the fiber. It is then incorporated into a geometrical model to simulate the bridging tractions versus crack opening under condition of continuous debonding. The implications on the effect of interfaces on the resistance curve are discussed.


An experimental investigation has been carried out on the mechanical properties of unidirectional (0) 12 , (0, 90) 3S , (±45, 0 2 ) S , and (±45) 3S composites consisting of CAS glass ceramic reinforced with Nicalon SiC fibres. Measurements have been made of the elastic properties and of the tensile, compression and shear strengths of the composites, and these have been supported by a detailed study of the damage which occurs during monotonic and repeated loading. These damage studies have been carried out by means of edge replication microscopy and acoustic emission monitoring. The elastic properties of the composites are, by and large, close to the values that would be predicted from the constituent properties and lay-up sequences, but their strengths are lower than expected, and it appears that the Nicalon reinforcing fibre has been seriously degraded during manufacture. The fracture energy is much higher than predicted from observations of fibre pull-out, and it is suggested that the energy required to form a close three-dimensional network of matrix cracks could account for the high apparent toughness. The matrix cracking stress can be predicted reasonably closely by the Aveston, Cooper and Kelly model of cracking in brittle matrix composites, but it is shown that subcritical microcracks can form and/or grow at stresses well below the predicted critical values without affecting composite properties.


Materials ◽  
2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert C. Wetherhold ◽  
Renee M. Bagwell

Ductile fibers are added to brittle matrix composites to increase the fracture toughness. To further improve fracture toughness, end shaped ductile fibers are added to act as anchors to utilize more of the fibers’ plasticity. Previous research focused on optimizing the volume of the shaped end for a given end shape family. Results indicate that for a given end shape family there is an optimum volume; above or below this volume results in a lower fracture toughness contribution. This research investigates two additional factors, adhesion of the matrix to the fiber and matrix shrinkage, and determines their effects on the fracture toughening of brittle matrix composites. The fiber was an annealed copper and the matrices used were a low shrinkage epoxy, a high shrinkage epoxy, and polyester. Results indicate that controlling the surface chemistry of the fiber can give an additional degree of freedom to the utilization of the fiber plasticity, although the importance of this control depends on the particular system. The fiber surface chemistry affects the bond strength and the adhesion; if the fiber cannot debond from the matrix, then shaping the end does not permit use of the plastic potential. Depending on the system, the adhesion and bond strength of the matrix to the fiber significantly affects the amount of fiber plasticity utilized. To determine the effects of friction and matrix shrinkage on the utilization of the fiber plasticity, release agent was applied to the end shaped fibers to reduce the adhesion, bond strength, and friction during pull out. Results indicate that frictional work and adhesion has a large impact on the utilization of the fiber plasticity; with release agent, the end shaped fiber utilizes little of the fiber plasticity. Furthermore, this indicates that for the matrices investigated, matrix shrinkage has a minor influence on the utilization of the fiber plasticity.


1993 ◽  
Vol 115 (3) ◽  
pp. 314-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. Spearing ◽  
F. W. Zok

A computer simulation of multiple cracking in fiber-reinforced brittle matrix composites has been conducted, with emphasis on the role of the matrix flaw distribution. The simulations incorporate the effect of bridging fibers on the stress required for cracking. Both short and long (steady-state) flaws are considered. Furthermore, the effects of crack interactions (through the overlap of interface slip lengths) are incorporated. The influence of the crack distribution on the tensile response of such composites is also examined.


1986 ◽  
Vol 78 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. G. Evans ◽  
M. Rühle ◽  
B. J. Daigleish ◽  
M. D. Thouless

ABSTRACTSome aspects of whisker toughening are reviewed. It is shown that several important toughened materials have a toughness dominated by the nonlinear bridging of intact whiskers. Such toughening is demonstrated to depend sensitively on the relative fracture resistance properties of the whiskers, the interface and the matrix. It is also shown that, when the interface fracture resistance is low, the frictional sliding behavior of the previously debonded interface and the whisker strength distribution exert a major influence on toughness, in accordance with pull-out phenomena.


MRS Bulletin ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 66-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Homeny ◽  
W.L. Vaughn

Whisker-reinforced ceramic matrix composites have recently received a great deal of attention for applications as high temperature structural materials in, for example, advanced heat engines and high temperature energy conversion systems. For applications requiring mechanical reliability, the improvements that can be realized in fracture strength and fracture toughness are of great interest. Of particular importance for optimizing the mechanical reliability of these composites is the effect of the whisker/matrix interfacial characteristics on the strengthening and toughening mechanisms. Whisker reinforcements are primarily utilized to prevent catastrophic brittle failure by providing processes that dissipate energy during crack propagation. The degree of energy dissipation depends on the nature of the whisker/matrix interface, which can be controlled largely by the matrix chemistry, the whisker surface chemistry, and the processing parameters.It is generally believed that a strong interfacial bond results in a composite exhibiting brittle behavior. These composites usually have good fracture strengths but low fracture toughnesses. If the interfacial bond is weak, the composite will not fail in a catastrophic manner due to the activation of various energy dissipation processes. These latter composites tend to have high fracture toughnesses and low fracture strengths. Generally, the interface should be strong enough to transfer the load from the matrix to the whiskers, but weak enough to fail preferentially prior to failure. Thus, local damage occurs without catastrophic failure. It is therefore necessary to control the interfacial chemistry and bonding in order to optimize the overall mechanical performance of the composites.


1996 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 301-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Krishna Kumar ◽  
J. N. Reddy

Fiber pull-out resistance is an important mechanism of energy absorption during the failure of fiber-reinforced composite materials. This paper deals with axial stress distribution in the fiber during a pull-out. The frictional constraint between the fiber and the matrix is modeled with a perturbed Lagrangian approach and Coulomb’s law of friction. Stress distribution has been determined for three cases, using the finite element method. The first case deals with the pull out of a fully embedded fiber. The second determines the stress distribution during fiber pull-out in the presence of a broken-embedded fiber. The third model attempts to solve the pull out of a coated fiber. The results for the first case compares favorably with those in existing literature. A local “pinching” effect, due to the matrix collapse behind the pulled fiber, is brought out clearly by this model. The second study indicates that the “plug” effect may not be significant in affecting the stress distribution. Lastly, the effects of coating stiffness and thickness are investigated.


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