The effect of temperature on stress transfer between a broken fibre and the adjacent fibres in unidirectional fibre composites

The effect of yielding of a polymer-matrix on stress transfer between a broken fibre and an adjacent fibre has been studied using a three-dimensional (3D) finite element model. The full stress–strain curves of Araldite MY0510 epoxy resin have been measured as a function of temperature. The elasto-plastic behaviour of the epoxy resin has been included in a 3D multi-fibre FE model. The yielding of the matrix affects the axial strain development along both the fractured and the neighbouring fibre. The intensified axial strain at the intact neighbouring fibre has been found at the immediate radial distance from the broken fibre. Strain concentration factor (SCF) of the nearest neighbouring fibre decreased as a result of an increase in temperature.