Elastoplastic Crack Propagation in a Transversely Loaded Unidirectional Composite

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Abstract
A finite element numerical analysis is developed to model crack initiation and subsequent propagation in a unidirectionally reinforced composite incorporating a matrix material exhibiting elastoplastic stress-strain response. A monotonic but otherwise arbitrary stress-strain curve is admissible, along with elastic unloading-reloading behavior. A simple crack representation model is utilized in place of a classical fracture mechanics approach, with octahedral shear stress-octahedral plastic shear strain being the governing criterion for both yielding and failure. Numerical results, which model a specific set of actual experimental data for a 40 volume percent boron/aluminum composite, are presented and discussed.