A finite element model of the fragmentation test for the case of a coated fiber 

 -  Composites Science and Technology, 48, p.143-149, 1993 .
<br/><br/> The fiber/matrix interface in composite materials is generally studied by means of the fragmentation test by using a single filament embedded in a polymeric matrix. The average shear strength, 5, of the interface is computed from the well-known shear4ag theory. For the case of a fiber coated with a thin layer of an interphase having a low modulus, a finite element analysis model has been developed to describe the profiles of the tensile and shear stresses along a fiber fragment. The introduction of a soft interlayer decreases the stresses at the ends of the fragment, and as the interlayer thickness increases this effect becomes more important. This model shows the limits of the shear-tag theory and could explain experimental results obtained for the case of an elastomer-coated glass fiber in an epoxy matrix. 
<br/><br/><label>Subjects--Topical Terms: </label><br/>FRAGMENTATION TEST<br/>COATING<br/>INTERPHASE<br/>FINITE ELEMENTS<br/>ANALYSIS