Fracture in Composites - An Overview (Part I)

An overview of the literature for the last twenty years on the fracture mechanics of unidirectional fibre reinforced polymer composites is presented. Pure mode (I, II, and III) as well as mixed mode longitudinal cracks (i.e., cracks that prolongate along the fibres) are considered mainly. It is shown that the strain energy released rate is the most widely used parameter for fracture toughness characterization. Various solutions for determination of the strain energy release rate in composites using linear-elastic fracture mechanics are presented. Studies on fracture in composite sandwich structures are reviewed, too. Some analyses of damages and their influence on fracture behaviour also are considered. Topical problems of composite fracture mechanics are formulated.