Abstract
In this study, a single-fiber composite was used to evaluate the stress transfer between a single fiber and a matrix. A single steel fiber was inserted into an epoxy resin, and a tensile load was applied to the fiber end. The applied load was 0 N and 177 N. Photoelastic images were then taken by a digital CCD camera. For photoelastic analysis, phasestepping and phase-unwrapping techniques were used to measure the stress difference distribution more accurately. Data calculated using these techniques included 3D information. Therefore, we converted the stress difference data, including the 3D information, to 2D photoelasticity using geometrical information. The maximum shear stress occurred on the side surface of the steel fiber near the fiber end, and the maximum normal stress difference was measured near the surface of the fiber end. The stress distribution on the interface between the fiber and the matrix indicated that the stress was concentrated in the middle of the fiber end and the side surface near the fiber end.
