Modelling of the Micro-bond test for Mechanical Analysis of the Fibre/Matrix Interphase in Fibre Reinforced Plastics

The micro-bond test quantifies the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) providing essential information to estimate the failure conditions of fiber-reinforced plastics. The work focuses on achieving a micromechanical understanding of the microbond test, which involves pulling a fiber out of a bead of matrix (i.e. droplet) through a knife-edge, in order to quantify the interfacial fracture properties of fiber-reinforced composites. The micro drop pull-out test is simulated using fracture mechanics concepts under the framework of the finite element (FE) analysis. The FE model takes into account the real elliptical geometry of the droplet as well, as the frictional contact during the detaching due to fracture of fibre/matrix interface. The "'mite element simulation is carried out using ABAQUS software, the predicted force-displacement curves and IFSS are consistent with those measured by the micro-bond test.