The mechanics of matrix cracking in brittle-matrix fiber composites

Abstract Matrix fracture in brittle-matrix fiber composites is analyzed for composites that exhibit multiple matrix cracking prior to fiber failure and have purely frictional bonding between the fibers and matrix. The stress for matrix cracking is evaluated using a stress intensity approach, in which the influence of the fibers that bridge the matrix crack is represented by closure tractions at the crack surfaces. Long and short cracks are distinguished. Long cracks approach a steady-state configuration, for which the stress intensity analysis and a previous energy balance analysis are shown to predict identical dependence of matrix cracking stress on material properties. A numerical solution and an approximate analytical solution are obtained for smaller cracks and used to estimate the range of crack sizes over which the steady-state solution applies.