Microscopic modeling and failure mechanism study of fiber reinforced composites embedded with optical fibers

Embedding optical fiber sensors into composite materials offers the advantage of real-time structural monitoring. However, the detailed mechanism of how embedded optical fibers affect the micromechanical behavior and damage failure processes within composite materials remains unclear. This paper presents a micromechanical simulation analysis of composite materials embedded with optical fibers. By constructing representative volume elements (RVEs) with randomly distributed reinforcing fibers, the optical fiber, the matrix, and the interface phase, the micromechanical behavior and damage evolution under transverse tensile and compressive loads are explored. The study finds that the presence of embedded optical fibers significantly influences the initiation and propagation of microscopic damage within the composites. Additionally, it is observed that the strength of the interface between the optical fiber and the matrix critically affects the simulation results. The simulated damage morphologies align closely with those observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These findings offer theoretical insights that can inform the design and fabrication of smart composite materials with embedded optical fiber sensors for advanced structural health monitoring. • A micromechanical model of composites with embedded optical fiber was developed. • The microscopic damage and failure behavior of these composites was studied. • The embedded optical fiber significantly influenced the damage of composites. • Simulated damage morphologies aligned well with experimental observations. • The findings provide insights for the design of smart composite materials.