A new method is presented for calculation of the stress distribution in a fragmented single fibre embedded in an epoxy matrix. The proposed method is based on the shear-lag analysis in order to describe both the dependences of the normal stress distribution in the fibre and the shear stress distribution in the fibre/matrix interface. The influence of the non-linear elastic af behaviour of the epoxy matrix, externally applied stress and the fibre fragment length will be discussed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Limited.