Fracture analysis of finite composite plate witha central crack

Abstract

Mixed mode fracture problem is investigated both numerically and experimentally for the finite orthotropic plate where an inclined crack parallel to the fiber direction is centrally placed. The mixed mode finite correction factors for stress intensity and strain energy release rate are calculated by using the modified mapping collocation method and those of finite glass/epoxy and graphite/epoxy plates are presented as functions of the crack length for various aspect ratios, crack angles and boundary conditions. To confirm the validity of numerical results, mixed mode fracture test for graphite/epoxy specimens is performed for selected combinations of crack length and angle. Mixed mode strain energy release rates for various crack angles and critical strain energy release rate of [45] specimens for various crack lengths are obtained.