The effect of Cyclic Loading on the micromechanics of the Interface

The effect of fatigue on the interfacial properties of carbon fibre model composites was investigated, employing the fragmentation test. Continuous and discontinuous single carbon fibre model composites were manufactured and subjected to strain controlled fatigue loading. Whilst no effect of cyclic loading on the fibre/matrix interface of continuous fibres was detected, a significant reduction in the interfacial strength of the discontinuous fibre specimens was measured.