Numerical analysis of the influence of a nearby fibre on the interface crack growth in composites under transverse tensile load

摘要

In this paper the interface crack growth associated with the inter-fibre failure under tension is studied by means of a two-fibre BEM model. The influence of the presence of an undamaged secondary fibre on the evolution of the interface crack at a primary one is analysed using Interfacial Fracture Mechanics concepts. The results obtained show that when the secondary fibre is aligned with the direction of the external load, its presence has an accelerative effect on the initiation of interface crack growth, whereas it has a protective effect for the rest of the positions considered. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.