Model studies of stress-intensity factors near cracks interacting with fibers

Abstract

The problem of determining the stress-intensity factors near cracks interacting with fibers is solved for the first time using data from optical-polarization measurements. Simplified models of composites are investigated — plates reinforced with single short fibers with cracks assigned on one of the ends of the fibers and tensioned in the direction of the fibers. The plates (dies) were fabricated from a photosensitive material, and the fibers were modeled by bars of steel, glass, and polymer. The stress-intensity factors were determined from Eq. (5) using data derived from optical-polarization measurements at several points by the nonlinear method of least squares. We investigated the influence exerted by several physical and geometric parameters on the stress-intensity factors. It was established that the stress-intensity factor K₁ near the end of a crack interacting with a fiber is higher than the factor K⁰ ₁ near a crack of corresponding length in the unreinforced plate. The ratio K₁/K⁰ ₁ depends on the mechanical properties of the fiber and die materials and the geometric dimensions of the crack and fiber. Despite the fact that these results were obtained using simplified models of composites, they are of interest for evaluation of the failure and serviceability of real composites.