Fiber fragmentation behavior analysis in single carbon fiber epoxy composites

Fragmentation behavior in single carbon fiber epoxy composites is investigated experimentally and analytically. Strength distribution of the carbon fibers is also measured. Fiber fragment process is observed during the tensile loading. The effect of the loading rate on the fiber fragmentation behavior is discussed. A Monte Carlo simulation technique is used to describe the fiber fragment behavior in the fragmentation tests. Both cases where elastic stress transfer between the fiber and matrix and constant shear stress presents are considered. It is found that the fiber fragmentation behavior is well predicted using measured fiber strength data and assumed shear stress between fiber and matrix.