A comparison of calculated and measured debond lengths from fiber push-outtests

A procedure involving iterative finite-element analyses has been developed for the accurate prediction of the debond length as a function of force by using the progressive debonding load/deflection data from fiber push-out te sts conducted on a polyester/epoxy model composite with a thickness of appr oximately 2.5 fiber diameters. The finite-element simulation included loads due to chemical shrinkage of the matrix during cure as well as the boundar y conditions corresponding to the exact probe and sample Support dimensions . The resulting debond lengths corresponded to within 7% of the measured de bond lengths. Fracture energy, was also determined by the finite-element me thod by computing the change in potential energy when incrementing the inte rface crack length by 0.1% of the total crack length and subtracting the in crease in the energy dissipated by friction. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.