Assessment of Matrix Cracking and Fiber Breakage in Hybrid Composite Materials.

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This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2025 | Volume : 03 | 02 | Page :
    By

    Aditya Sahu,

  1. Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering J.E.C. College Jabaplur Engineering College Ranjhi, Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

Hybrid composite materials, combining two or more distinct fiber or matrix constituents, have emerged as advanced structural solutions for aerospace, automotive, marine, and civil engineering applications. However, their complex microstructure makes them susceptible to multiple interacting damage mechanisms, particularly matrix cracking and fiber breakage. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of these damage modes, emphasizing their initiation, evolution, and combined effects on the mechanical integrity of hybrid composites. Matrix cracking typically originates from micro-level stress concentrations, thermal residual stresses, and cyclic loading, progressively forming interconnected crack networks that degrade stiffness and promote moisture ingress. Fiber breakage, on the other hand, is primarily influenced by fiber type, interfacial bonding strength, and the heterogeneity of load transfer in hybrid architectures. The interaction between these mechanisms accelerates damage propagation: matrix cracks serve as pathways for stress localization, leading to premature fiber breakage, while broken fibers further intensify local stress fields, fostering additional matrix cracking. Analytical, numerical, and experimental approaches—including micro-mechanical modeling, acoustic emission monitoring, computed tomography, and digital image correlation—are critically reviewed to evaluate their capability in capturing damage progression. The findings highlight that hybridization strategies, such as fiber stacking sequences, fiber mixing ratios, and tailored interphases, significantly influence damage tolerance and failure patterns. This assessment underscores the need for integrated characterization and modeling frameworks to accurately predict service life and optimize the design of hybrid composites. The study contributes to advancing reliable, durable, and high-performance hybrid composite structures through improved understanding of matrix cracking and fiber breakage mechanisms.

Keywords: Hybrid composite materials; Matrix cracking; Fiber breakage; Damage mechanisms; Interfacial bonding; Microstructural analysis; Mechanical behavior.

How to cite this article:
Aditya Sahu. Assessment of Matrix Cracking and Fiber Breakage in Hybrid Composite Materials.. International Journal of Fracture Mechanics and Damage Science. 2025; 03(02):-.
How to cite this URL:
Aditya Sahu. Assessment of Matrix Cracking and Fiber Breakage in Hybrid Composite Materials.. International Journal of Fracture Mechanics and Damage Science. 2025; 03(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijfmds/article=2025/view=235298


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Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 03
02
Received 13/12/2025
Accepted 19/12/2025
Published 30/12/2025
Publication Time 17 Days
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