Ultimate strength prediction of continuous fiber-reinforced brittle matrix composites

A model to predict ultimate strength of continuous fiber-reinforced brittle matirix composites has been developed. A statistical theory for the strength of the uniaxially fiber-reinforced brittle matrix composite is presented. Material of matrix is assumed to be homogeneous and isotropic, so that the strength of material is anywhere constant, whilst that of fiber is considered to show Weibull statistical distribution. The theory may be utilized to optimize the biaxial and multidirectional tensile strength properties of laminated materials. The composite strength is estimated by assuming no interacting matrix cracks. The frictional shear stress caused by bridging fibers is involved in the strength computation. The predicted strength is compared to experimental results with LAS-Glass/Nicalon fiber composite.