Finite element modelling of the single fibre composite fragmentation test with comparison to experiments

Cao, Y., Xu, Y. , Harrison, P. , McCarthy, E. D. and Mulvihill, D. M. (2022) Finite element modelling of the single fibre composite fragmentation test with comparison to experiments. Journal of Composite Materials, 56(17), pp. 2765-2778. (doi: 10.1177/00219983221095901)

Abstract

This paper develops a finite element (FE) model of the single fibre fragmentation test designed for direct comparison with experimental results on an E-glass/epoxy system by McCarthy et al. (2015). Interface behaviour is modelled via a cohesive surface, and stochastic Weibull fibre strengths (determined by independent experiments) assigned at random to the elements along the fibre. Predictions from the model agree with experiment for a range of outputs: The evolution of the number of fibre breaks with strain is similar and breaks occur at random locations as required. The model also captures a transition to a Uniform (rather than Weibull) statistical distribution of break locations at later stages of the test consistent with recent experiments. The evolution of the cumulative distribution of fragment lengths is also similar to that of the experiment. In addition, fibre axial stress and interfacial shear stress distributions conform with experimental observation. Correct model predictions of break locations confirm the approach taken on assigning stochastic (Weibull) strengths along the fibre. The effectiveness of the FE model in capturing a number of key aspects of the fragmentation phenomenon suggest its usefulness as a tool in analysing and interpreting fibre fragmentation tests, including back-calculation of interfacial shear strength.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Mulvihill, Dr Daniel and Xu, Dr Yang and Cao, Yanmei and Harrison, Dr Philip
• Authors: Cao, Y., Xu, Y., Harrison, P., McCarthy, E. D., and Mulvihill, D. M.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• Journal Name: Journal of Composite Materials
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• ISSN: 0021-9983
• ISSN (Online): 1530-793X
• Published Online: 22 May 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Composite Materials 56(17): 2765-2778
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License