The effect of fiber diameter on the compressive strength of composites - A 3D finite element based study

Results from a 3D finite element based study of the compression response of unidirectional fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites (FRPC) are presented in this paper. The micromechanics based study was used to simulate the compressive response of glass and carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites, with a view to understanding the effect of fiber diameter on compression strength. Results from the modeling and simulation indicate the presence of a complex three dimensional stress state in the matrix of the FRPC. Results from the simulation highlight the role of fiber diameter on the compressive response of FRPC. In particular, it is shown that, depending on the fiber diameter, fiber breaking may precede the attainment of a limit load due to fiber misalignment, thus, precipitating a different mechanism for the initiation of kink bands.