Work

The Role of Matrix Shielding in the In Situ Fiber Strength and Progressive Failure of Unidirectional Composites

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: While carbon fiber strength is typically characterized through single-fiber tensile tests, these isolated measurements do not account for the local mechanical constraints present within a composite architecture. This study employs a synergistic computational micromechanics approach combining finite element analysis (FEA) and analytical modeling to investigate how the surrounding matrix influences the Stress Intensity Factor (SIF) and the apparent ultimate strength of embedded fibers. By calculating the J-integral, we demonstrate that the matrix provides a significant shielding effect, constraining crack opening displacements and substantially reducing the SIF. This mechanism results in a marked increase in in situ fiber tensile strength relative to dry fibers. Incorporating this matrix-adjusted Weibull distribution into a longitudinal failure model significantly improves the prediction of fiber-break density accumulation, showing closer correlation with experimental benchmarks than traditional models.

Source: Journal of Composites Science

DOI: 10.3390/jcs10010047

Authors: Mostafa Barzegar, Jose M. Guerrero, Zahra Tanha, Carlos Gonzalez, Abrar Baluch, Josep Costa

Institutions: Universitat de Girona, Hitachi (Japan), IMDEA Materials, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals

Language: English

Topic: Mechanical Behavior of Composites

Subfield: Mechanics of Materials

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,172

Funders: Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, European Commission, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación