Crack-bridging processes and fracture resistance of a discontinuous fiber-reinforced brittle matrix composite

A simple bridging model is proposed for the toughening of a discontinuous fiber-reinforced brittle matrix composite, in which the frictional bridging of fibers during, as well as after, the interfacial debonding is considered. The R-curve behavior and the work-of-fracture of the composite can be theoretically predicted by the computation of the bridging model applying material parameters, such as fiber volume fraction, size and shape of fibers, fiber tensile strength, elastic moduli of fibers and matrix, fracture toughness and work-of-fracture of matrix, and frictional shear stress at interface. The experimental result obtained from a SiC-whisker-reinforced Al2O3 composite confirms the theoretical predictions of the present bridging model. Through the model calculation, the R-curve, crack profile, and bridging stresses of the composite can be estimated correspondingly to the bridging processes.