Towards a predictive design methodology based on the physical modelling of the fracture of fiber composite

Spearing, S.M. and Beaumont, P.W.R. (1998) Towards a predictive design methodology based on the physical modelling of the fracture of fiber composite. Applied Composite Materials, 5 (2), 69-94. (doi:10.1023/A:1008811721083).

Abstract

A predictive design methodology based on modelling the fracture stress (notched tensile strength) and post-fatigue residual strength of laminated fiber composites is presented. The approach is based explicitly on the development of models of the physical processes by which damage accumulates at a notch-tip and the application of these models to cross-ply laminates for a variety of material systems, including thermosetting and thermoplastic matrices containing carbon, glass and Kevlar fiber reinforcements. The effects of temperature and humidity on composite fracture can also be examined in the context of this modelling strategy. A pre-requisite of the model is that it has to be calibrated for each material system by performing tensile tests on notched and unnotched cross-ply laminate. From this initial calibration, which takes relatively little time, it is possible to apply the model to a prediction of the dependence of fracture stress on notch size; to an understanding of the effects of laminate stacking sequence (within the same cross-ply family) on fracture stress; and to provide insight into the effects of thermal or load cycling history on fatigue damage-growth and residual or fatigue strength. The advantages and deficiencies of this modelling strategy are assessed, as well as the applicability of such a physical modelling approach to the predictive design and failure of composite materials in general.

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Contributors

Author: S.M. Spearing

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