Fracture of fiber reinforced composites

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Abstract
Characteristics of the fracture of fiber reinforced plastic composites are described in terms of the elastic stress distribution at the crack tip, the mechanism of crack tip damage, and the modes and conditions of final fracture. The three‐dimensional, stress field at the tip of a sharp crack in a laminate is presented and contrasted to traditional two‐dimensional models. The response of the material in the form of inter‐ and intraply damage formation and growth under increasing load is characterized, and its effect in blunting the main crack is examined. The final fracture conditions, which may range from quasi‐brittle to notch insensitive, are discussed and related to the damage zone extension. Observed and anticipated effects of various material and geometric parameters are also discussed.