Steady-state energy release rate for fiber/matrix interface debond growth in unidirectional composites

Analytical closed form solution is derived for energy release rate due to steady-state debond growth along a broken fiber in unidirectional composite. The problem is represented by a three concentric cylinder model, where the broken and partially debonded fiber is embedded in resin and this unit is surrounded by homogenized effective composite. Parametric analysis shows that parameters in the very simple quadratic expression for energy release rate dependence on temperature change and mechanical strain are rather insensitive with respect to changes in constituent elastic properties and fiber content. The importance to have a large outer radius of the effective composite phase in the concentric cylinder model is demonstrated.