A detailed finite element analysis has been carried out to simulate th
e fibre pull-out test. The fibre-matrix interface was assumed to obey
a Coulomb friction law. Special attention was focused on the effect of
residual thermal stresses. An approximate analytical solution, rather
similar to those in the literature, was derived. The results of the f
inite element analysis have been used to investigate the limitation an
d the validity of this analytical solution. The accuracy of various ap
proximate analyses has also been discussed.