Effect of interphase on fibre-bridging toughness of a unidirectional FRP composite thin plate

Z. Jack Wu, J. M. Davies

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A parametric analysis of the toughening mechanisms in a uniaxially fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) thin plate with a power-law hardening shear interphase is presented. An interfacial shear-lag model is used to analyse the relationship between the crack surface traction exerted by the intact fibres and the crack opening displacement (COD). Numerical solutions of the equations governing bridge-toughening are given. Two special kinds of interphase, i.e. linearly elastic and perfect plastic, are discussed. The results demonstrate that the toughening ratio of the composite thin plate is sensitive to several parameters, e.g. the thickness of the interphase between fibre and matrix, the hardening parameter of the interphase, the interfacial shear properties (stiffness and strength), the fibre radius and the far-field load. The results of this investigation will be beneficial to the selection of constitutive materials, the improvement of mechanical behaviour and the fabrication process of FRP composites. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)510-515
Number of pages5
JournalComposite Structures
Volume69
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2005

Keywords

  • Fibre-bridging
  • FRP composites
  • Interphase
  • Toughness

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