Module 5 and Module 6: Characterization, Fracture, and Fatigue of Fiber
Reinforced Composite Materials
Module 5: Characterization of Fiber Reinforced Composite Materials
This module addresses the methods used to measure, quantify, and inspect the properties and quality of a finished
composite part.
1. Static Mechanical Properties
These tests determine the material's strength and stiffness under a single, non-repeated load to the point of failure.
Longitudinal Properties (SL): Measured using the Tensile Test (ASTM D3039) by loading the specimen along the
fiber direction. This test evaluates the maximum load carried by the fibers and represents fiber-dominated strength.
Transverse Properties (ST): Measured using tensile or compression testing (ASTM D3039) with loading applied
perpendicular to the fiber direction. This characterizes matrix-dominated strength and the integrity of the
fiber–matrix interface.
In-Plane Shear Strength (SLTS): Measured using the V-Notched Rail Shear Test (ASTM D7078) or the ±45° tensile
test. This property defines the laminate’s resistance to in-plane shearing forces.
Interlaminar Shear Strength (ILSS): Measured using the Short Beam Shear Test (ASTM D2344), which applies
load over a short span. This test evaluates ply-to-ply bonding strength and is critical for predicting delamination.
2. Methods of Characterization of Fiber–Matrix Interphase
The interphase is the thin boundary layer between the fiber and the matrix. Its quality controls stress transfer
efficiency and overall composite performance.
Single Fiber Pull-Out Test: A micromechanical destructive test that measures the force required to pull a single
fiber from the matrix, yielding the interfacial shear strength (IFSS).
Fiber Fragmentation Test: A micromechanical destructive method where a fiber embedded in a matrix fractures
into segments under tensile loading. Shorter fragment lengths indicate stronger fiber–matrix bonding.
Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM): A nanoscale non-destructive technique used to map surface topography and
measure local mechanical properties such as stiffness and modulus across the interphase region.
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM): Used for post-failure fracture surface analysis to distinguish between
cohesive matrix failure and adhesive interfacial failure.
3. Quality Inspection Methods (Non-Destructive Testing – NDT)
Ultrasonic Testing (UT): Uses high-frequency sound waves and analyzes reflected or transmitted signals. It is
highly effective for detecting delamination and voids or porosity.
Infrared Thermography (IRT): Applies a thermal pulse and monitors surface cooling behavior using an infrared
camera. Defects such as delamination, inclusions, and subsurface voids appear as thermal anomalies.
Radiographic Testing (RT): Uses X-rays or computed tomography (CT) to visualize the internal structure of
composites. It detects fiber misalignment, inclusions, and matrix-rich regions.
Acoustic Emission (AE): A passive technique that listens for elastic waves released by sudden damage events
during loading. It enables real-time monitoring of damage initiation and propagation.
Module 6: Fracture and Fatigue of Fiber Reinforced Composite Materials
1. Failure and Fracture of Composites
Composite failure is fundamentally different from metallic failure and occurs through progressive damage
accumulation.
Progressive damage involves a sequence of events such as matrix cracking, fiber–matrix debonding, and fiber
fracture. These damage modes accumulate until catastrophic structural failure occurs.
Composite fracture is highly anisotropic and must be evaluated using composite-specific failure criteria, such as the
Tsai–Wu failure criterion.
Matrix Cracking: Cracks form in the resin matrix, typically running parallel to the fibers.
Fiber–Matrix Interfacial Debonding: Separation at the interface reduces load transfer efficiency.
Fiber Fracture: The reinforcing fibers break, representing ultimate structural failure.
Delamination: Separation between adjacent plies (e.g., 0° and 90° layers). This is the most dangerous failure
mode, causing a severe reduction in bending stiffness and compressive strength.
2. Fatigue Analysis and the S–N Diagram
Fatigue is the failure of a composite material subjected to cyclic stresses below its static ultimate strength.
The S–N (Wöhler) diagram plots stress amplitude against the number of cycles to failure.
High stress amplitudes result in low-cycle fatigue, while low stress amplitudes result in high-cycle fatigue.
Unlike many metals, composites typically do not exhibit a clear endurance limit. The S–N curve continues to decline,
indicating ongoing damage accumulation even at low stress levels.
As a result, composite fatigue design relies on damage mechanics models that track the evolution of internal
damage such as matrix cracking and delamination, rather than relying on a single fatigue strength value.