A SELF-CONSISTENT MODEL FOR MULTIFIBER CRACK BRIDGING

A self-consistent model for determining the equivalent spring stiffness in fiber crack-bridging problems is proposed. The model is compared with the shear-lag model for ideal bonding of the fiber-matrix interface, in which case the springs have a linear spring constant. A comparison is also made, in the homogeneous limit when fiber and matrix elastic properties are identical, with results from particle and ligament crack-bridging analyses. The self-consistent model is seen to agree with these other models. A simplified parametric equation is given which approximates the results over the considered range of material properties.