Evaluation of the Fiber Stress Distribution in Aramid/Epoxy Model Composite Using Micro-Raman Spectroscopy and FEM Analysis

A single-fiber pull-out model composite for an aramid/epoxy system was specially designed to measure the stress distribution of the aramid fiber embedded in the matrix using micro-Raman spectroscopy. The stress transfer length of the fiber obtained was about 400-500 μm, which was equal to the result of FEM analysis. Just after the initiation and propagation of the fiber/matrix interfacial debonding, the fiber was broken, and the fiber in the matrix had the axial tensile residual stress. The tensile residual axial stress showed the maximum at around the tip of the interfacial debonding. The stress was reduced after the specimen was kept in air at 80°C for 44h, and it became almost equal to zero after being immersed in deionized water at 80°C for 44h. This behavior agreed with the result of FEM analysis, in which the friction coefficient was introduced in the fiber/matrix interface. The axial residual stress was caused by the friction between the fiber and matrix, due to the compressive stress acting between the resin and the fiber, which was caused by the difference of the coefficient of thermal expansion.