Fragmentation model for the tensile response of unidirectional composites based on the critical number of fiber breaks and the correction of the fiber-matrix interfacial strength.

Abstract A fragmentation model based on global load sharing (GLS) theory is developed to obtain stress-strain curves that describe the mechanical behavior of unidirectional composites. The model is named C N B + τ * because it is based on the Critical Number of Breaks model (CNB) and on the correction of the fiber matrix interfacial strength, τ *. Model allows both obtaining the ultimate tensile strength of CFRP and GFRP composites, and correcting the σ vs ε curve to match its peak point with the predicted strength, which is more accurate than the one obtained by previous GLS...