Numerical analysis of debond propagation in the single fibre fragmentation test

A numerical analysis, using the Boundary Element Method, of the stress state within the specimen in the single fibre fragmentation test is presented first. Thermal residual stresses and fibre–matrix interfacial friction along the debonding crack faces have been considered in the study. Special attention has been paid to the axial stresses along the fibre and the interfacial tractions and relative displacements in the neighbourhood closest to the debonding crack tips. In order to analyse the debond propagation, the associated Energy Release Rate has been evaluated from the near-tip elastic solution. Numerical results show that both the effects of thermal residual stresses and of fibre–matrix interfacial friction are opposed to the debond propagation. Additionally, the effect of the debond propagation on the load transfer through the interface has been studied, showing that fibre–matrix interfacial friction has a weak influence on the distance needed to re-establish the nominal axial load within the fragment.