Failure behaviors of single high-performance fibers under transverse dynamic cut

Abstract We visualized, in real time, the deformation and failure of single fibers that were transversely cut at high loading rate. A reverse impact experimental technique was employed to introduce the dynamic cutting load onto the fiber. The failure process of the fiber was captured via an ultra-high-speed camera combined with an ultra-long working distance objective lens. Three failure modes were identified: partial penetration followed by tensile failure, complete incision and bending-induced brittle failure without penetration, corresponding to the Kevlar® KM2 Plus, Dyneema® SK76 and S-2 Glass fiber, respectively. Such failure modes were found to be rate-independent but highly rely on the fiber nanostructure. It was found that all fibers had an increased energy absorption as the rate increased. Effects of fiber length and cut angle were also studied, potentially providing insight into the material design of cut-resistant textiles or composites.