EXPLORATORY DEVELOPMENT OF FRACTURE MECHANICS OF COMPOSITE SYSTEMS.

Abstract

The objective of the research program is to provide an improved understanding of the failure of composites from the fracture mechanics point of view. Such an approach assumes that the composite posseses built-in imperfections such as voids or cracks developed during the fabrication process or under operating stresses. Two composite systems are studied: the first is a fiber- reinforced composite and the second a laminated composite. Theoretical analyses made in terms of continuum mechanics for stress distributions are carried out to establish the relationships among the pertinent parameters. Such a study should reveal the necessary insight for developing failure criteria of composites. Some preliminary experimental results on fracture toughness and crack growth rates of uni- directionally fiber reinforced composites are also given. (Author-PL)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1970
Accession Number
AD0709214

Entities

People

  • George C. Sih
  • P. D. Hilton
  • Robert P. Wei

Organizations

  • Lehigh University

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Composite Materials
  • Continuum Mechanics
  • Fabrication
  • Fiber Reinforced Composites
  • Fracture (Mechanics)
  • Material Forming Processes
  • Materials Processing
  • Mechanics

Readers

  • Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Structures.