ANALYSIS OF A BROKEN FIBER IN A WEAKLY BONDED COMPOSITE

The problem of a broken fiber, embedded in an infinite medium with distinct elastic properties, is studied theoretically. The composite is subjected to tensile loading parallel to the fiber. To simulate the influence of a weak fiber-matrix interface, interfacial slippage governed by a Coulomb friction law is permitted. The solution method that is employed reduces the problem to four coupled singular integral equations which are solved numerically. Results for the average axial fiber stress, for the enhancement in the tensile stress in the matrix and for the opening of the crack are presented; where relevant, comparisons are made with simplified, highly approximate methods of analysis.