Tensile strength of discontinuous fibre-reinforced composites

A stochastic Monte-Carlo approach, based on Eyring's chemical activation rate theory, is used to study the factors controlling the tensile strength of discontinuous fibre-reinforced composites. The model explicitly takes into account the local distribution of stress near fibre ends. Both the fibre and the matrix are allowed to break during fracture of the composite. The stress-strain curves and the modes of failure of the composite are found to be strongly dependent on the volume fraction and aspect ratio of the fibres. The importance of adhesion at the fibre/matrix interface is also studied. The results are compared with available experimental data.