Fiber-size effects on the onset of fiber–matrix debonding under transverse tension: A comparison between cohesive zone and finite fracture mechanics models

•Size effect on fiber–matrix debonding under transverse loads is studied.•Two models are compared: Cohesive Zone Model and Finite Fracture Mechanics.•The relations between the key parameters in each model are discussed.•Results from both models match up and predict a strong size effect.•If plasticity in the matrix is taken into account, size effect is essentially modified.

The problem of fiber–matrix debonding due to transverse loading is revisited. Predictions of the critical load for the debond onset obtained by a Cohesive Zone Model combined with contact mechanics and by a Finite Fracture Mechanics model based on a coupled stress and energy criterion are compared. Both models predict a strong nonlinear dependence of the critical load on the fiber size. A good agreement between the predictions provided by these models is found for large and medium fiber radii. However, different scaling laws for small fiber radii are noticed. A discussion of the asymptotic trends for very small and very large fiber radii is presented. Limitations of both models are also discussed. For very small fibers, it is shown that matrix plasticity can prevail over fiber–matrix debonding, leading to an upper bound for the critical load. When fiber–matrix debonding prevails over plasticity for large enough fibers, the predictions provided by the two models are still in fair good agreement.