CRACK INTERACTION IN COMPOSITES

摘要

This work is concerned with the interaction of a macro-crack with a micro-crack in a cross-ply composite laminate. Two macro-cracks; matrix cracks and delaminations are considered, interacting with the matrix micro-cracks. The micro-cracks are both, normal and at an angle to the macro-cracks. Finite Element method is used to obtain the stress distribution in the vicinity of the crack tips. Quarter point singular elements are used near the crack tip for a better simulation of the crack tip singularity. J-integral is used as the crack characterization parameter. Stress fields and variation in J-integral values are presented where the macro-crack approaches the micro-crack.