Fiber pullout based on a one-dimensional model of decohesion

An analytical solution is given for the fiber pull-out problem. To make the problem tractable, the following assumptions are invoked: (1) the problem is axisymmetric, (2) the effect of the deformable medium surrounding the fi ber and the actual interface behavior is reflected through an interface con stitutive equation with the surrounding medium considered to be rigid, and (3) the interface constitutive equation is a bilinear elastic-softening rel ation between interface traction and fiber displacement. The result is that there are only two derived dimensionless parameters. One dimensionless par ameter identifies two distinct regimes for the evolution of detachment. The se same regimes identify different force-displacement features. In one inst ant there is a progressive failure; in the other there is a load reversal w hich may be associated with "catastrophic" behavior From an experimental vi ewpoint. Finally, the effect of size on the maximum pull-out force is a nat ural consequence of the analysis. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.