A representative diameter for the Weibull scaling of variable diameter monofilament strength

A model to characterize the strength of brittle monofilaments that possess a variation in diameter along their length was introduced. The model enabled use of an imaginary uniform diameter, i.e. ‘representative diameter’ to scale the fiber strength with single-modal Weibull distribution. The advantage of using the representative diameter is that the fracture probability of brittle monofilaments is correlated with the length although the real fibers possess a variable diameter. The present results revealed that the variable diameter was an important factor affecting the strength distribution. Thus, the uniformity in the diameter was expected essential for superior reinforcement fiber production.