TEST METHODS FOR ESTIMATION OF INTERFACIAL NORMAL STRENGTH IN UNIDIRECTIONAL FIBER REINFORCED COMPOSITES

G. P. Tandon and R. Y. Kim

ABSTRACT

In this work, two specimen geometries, namely, model single fiber composite and block specimen have been suggested for estimating the interfacial normal strength in unidirectional fiber reinforced composites. Analytical modeling of both the specimens has also been done to estimate the interfacial stresses in terms of constituent material properties. Finally, some failure criteria have been employed in conjunction with the experimental observations to estimate the normal bond strength of the interface. This methodology is applied to several fiber/matrix combinations with appropriate variations of the fiber-matrix interfacial bond strength. The results indicate good agreement between the two proposed specimen designs for estimating the normal strength of the strongly bonded interface.