Abstract
The residual strength of thin-ply non-crimp fabric laminates with large through-the-thickness cracks is investigated in this paper. Analysis methods such as the linear elastic fracture mechanics, inherent flaw, point-stress, average-stress and Finite Fracture Mechanics are used to predict large damage capability. Experiments show that thin-ply non-crimp fabric laminates exhibit high resistance to propagation of large cracks and a remarked crack-bridging effect. Due to the unsuitability of existing models to capture such bridging processes, large damage capability is systematically underestimated by the traditional analysis methods. By taking into account the R-curve of the material in the Finite Fracture Mechanics analysis good predictions of the notched response of laminated plates with large through-penetration damage are obtained using only independently measured material properties; in addition, the Finite Fracture Mechanics model does not require fitting parameters or complex finite element analyses.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 110-122 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing |
Volume | 63 |
Early online date | 18 Apr 2014 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Aug 2014 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- A. Laminates
- B. Stress concentrations
- C. Analytical modelling
- D. Mechanical testing
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ceramics and Composites
- Mechanics of Materials