Explanation for micromorphologies around broken fibers in fiber‐reinforced composites

Abstract Experimental observations on micromorphologies around broken fibers in glass‐fiber‐reinforced epoxy matrix composites reveal different kinds of highly oriented patches at the circumambience of broken fibers, whereas the bulk of the matrix has been observed to be largely isotropic. These patches are interpreted to correlated areas where the stress gradients of the matrix are formed after fiber breaking, but the underlying cause for the orientation is still unknown. The authors have modified an embedded cell model to explain the experimental phenomena. The finite element simulation indicates that the surfaces around broken fibers display a change from an extension micromorphology to a mixed tension and shear micromorphology with the increase of applied strain. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers