Energy debonding

Fig. 1 High re.solution X-ray refraction topography of low energy impact (5J) at CFRP epoxy laminate. Image area 2 mm X 4 mm. Horizontal resolution 0.2 mm. The image represents selectively an area of debonded fibers of vertical fiber orientation.

Fig. 2 X-ray refraction topographs of a series of /OyPOj/s samples of different impact energies. The total damage of the laminates is characterized by addition of all debonded layers of0° and 90° fiber direction.

Fig. 3 Refraction values of both (0°+ 90°) fiber directions with respect to impact energy per layer. The fiber/matrix debonding of CFRP laminates correlates significantly to the impact energy per volume (energy density).

Upon peeling, each particle dissipates energy by stretching to several times its diameter before debonding from the surface. 

An important consideration is the effect of filler and its degree of interaction with the polymer matrix. Under strain, a weak bond at the binder-filler interface often leads to dewetting of the binder from the solid particles to formation of voids and deterioration of mechanical properties. The primary objective is, therefore, to enhance the particle-matrix interaction or increase debond fracture energy. A most desirable property is a narrow gap between the maximum (e ) and ultimate elongation ch) on the stress-strain curve. The ratio, e , eh, may be considered as the interface efficiency, a ratio of unity implying perfect efficiency at the interfacial Junction. 

Sometimes the failure occurs by propagation of a crack that starts at the top and travels downward until the interface is completely debonded. In this case, the fracture mechanics analysis using the energy balance approach has been applied [92] in which P, relates to specimen dimensions, elastic constants of fiber and matrix, initial crack length, and interfacial work of fracture (W,). 

For the total debonding or fracture energy of a perfect fibre with an elongation at break c() and strength o0 we can write... 

The interface debond criterion used in this analysis is based on the concept of fracture mechanics where the strain energy release rate against the incremental debond length is equated to the interface fracture toughness, Gk, which is considered to be a material constant... 

Based on the same energy balance theory as employed for the fiber pull-out, a fiber-matrix interface debond criterion is derived for fiber push-out in a form similar to that for fiber pull-out... 

It is envisaged that the degradation of the frictional interface properties and the corresponding increase in the relative displacements eventually lead to debond crack growth once the debond criterion is satisfied. The debond criterion based on the energy balance theory given by Eq. (4,35) under monotonic loading can be rewritten as... 

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