What are Failure modes in a composite during longitudinal tensile loading?

Failure modes in a composite during longitudinal tensile loading primarily include matrix cracking, fiber breakage, and delamination. Matrix cracking occurs when the resin matrix fails under tensile stress, leading to a loss of load transfer between fibers. Fiber breakage happens when the tensile strength of the fibers is exceeded, resulting in individual fibers snapping. Delamination refers to the separation of layers within the composite, often due to shear stresses, which can significantly degrade the structural integrity of the material.