Numerical simulation of the fiber fragmentation process in single-fiber composites

This paper attempts to simulate the process of fiber break in single-fiber composite fragmentation test (SFCF). The ensued stress redistribution in fiber, matrix and interface after the fiber break is also researched. A new simulation method based on the user subroutine: "User subroutine to redefine field variables at a material point (USDFLD)" in the general finite element method (FEM) software ABAQUS is proposed. The subroutine is used for the definition of the fiber material constitutive model and is programmed in FORTRAN. It is called by ABAQUS. So the damage mode of the fiber break is simulated by the method. The forms of stress redistribution in fiber, matrix and interface are also obtained in the simulation. Then the T300/epoxy single-fiber composite is fabricated and the single-fiber composite fragmentation test is done. The simulation method and results are proved to be appropriate by the comparative analysis with the experiment. Crown Copyright (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.