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The transverse failure response of unidirectional fiber-epoxy systems is studied by means of finite element simulations. An interface damage model is used for modeling fiber debonding and epoxy cracking. The convergence of the numerical results upon mesh refinement is analyzed. It is found that the failure response depends on the relative strength and relative toughness of the fiber-epoxy interface and the epoxy matrix. The tensile failure response of epoxy systems containing multiple fibers is also analyzed. In addition, the simulations demonstrate the influence on the failure response by the relative strength of the fiber-epoxy interface and the epoxy matrix, and by the fiber volume fraction and fiber distribution. The simulated fracture patterns are shown to be in good agreement with experimental observations reported in the literature.

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In the present paper the effective mesoscale failure response of a fibre-epoxy sample is computed from its complex microscale fracture behaviour. The mesoscale failure response is represented by a traction-separation curve derived from numerically homogenizing the fracture response of a periodic fibre-epoxy microstructure loaded under uniaxial tension. The traction-separation curve can be applied in material points of interface elements that are used for simulating mode I mesoscopic fracture in macroscopic laminate failure problems. The effect of the size of the microscopic fibre-epoxy sample on the mesoscale failure response is examined, as well as the effect of local imperfections at fibreepoxy interfaces.