Characterization and control of the fiber-matrix interface in ceramic ...

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matrix in a composite will begin
The influence of the interfacial shear stress Ti on the failure
strain of the matrix, emuC,
is shown in the expression
where mm is the fracture energy of the matrix and r is the fiber radius.
If adequate bonding exists, the presence of higher-strength fibers; will
suppress cracking in the matrix, resulting in an increase in emu to emUC.
Conversely, weak bonding at the fiber-matrix interface will result in a
lower strain tolerance in the matrix.
Upon matrix fracture, load is transferred to the fibers, and if the
fibers are strong enough, they will support the load. The fibers must be
able to bear the entire load held by the composite at the point of matrix
failure; therefore,
where of' is the stress on the fibers at matrix fracture. If the failure
strain of the fibers is sufficiently large, a further increase in load