Fiber/Fiber Crosses: Finite Element Modeling and Comparison with Experiment

Abstract

Fiber/fiber joints were analyzed using finite element analysis in order to characterize the influence of fiber and contact region properties on the stress— strain behavior of a single fiber/fiber cross. The output of the models was validated by comparison with experimental load—deformation curves. The contact zone of the fiber/fiber joint was studied with respect to the appearance of the contact zone, the contact area, and the contact pattern; the work of adhesion of the contact areas was also considered. It was shown that the two-dimensional appearance of the contact zone had little influence on the stress—strain behavior of the fiber/fiber cross under tensile loading. The maximum stress and hence the fiber/fiber joint strength was, however, affected by the degree of contact. It was concluded that knowledge of the material behavior of the contact zone (such as local plastic behavior), and of chemical effects (such as work of adhesion) are needed to predict the fiber/fiber joint strength.