On the use of energy methods for interpretation of results of single-fiber fragmentation experiments

We consider fragmentation experiments as a set of experimental results for fiber break density as a function of applied strain. This paper explores the potential for using fracture mechanics or energy methods in interpreting fragmentation experiments. We found that energy does not control fiber fracture; instead, fiber fracture releases much more energy than required to fracture the fiber. The excess released energy can lead to other damage mechanisms such as interfacial debonding. By assuming that all the excess released energy causes interfacial debonding and balancing energy using the energy release rate for debonding, we were able to determine interfacial toughness from fragmentation experiments. A reliable determination of interfacial toughness requires prior knowledge of interphase stress-transfer properties, fiber failure properties, actual damage mechanisms, and the coefficient of friction at the interface.