Influence of the Interface Strenght on Local Failure Processes in Fiber Reinforced Composites
(1999)
The energy release rate delivered during the debonding of a fiber inside a composite ply is analysed using a representative volume element. Two different fiber volume fractions are studied by a linear elastic fracture mechanical analysis by using the finite element method.
The dependency of the mixed mode energy release rate on the length of the crack increment is analysed. It is shown that the same general behaviour found in case of a straight Interface crack is valid also for circular cracks. As a result the discrimination of the energy release rate into mode I and mode II portions is questionable.