SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1975
STP34790S

Three-Dimensional Analysis of Laminar Composites with Through Cracks

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The variational principle of minimum complementary potential energy is employed to develop an approximate three-dimensional model for the stress distribution in laminar composites. This approximate theory is applied to the problem of a symmetric composite plate containing a through crack subjected to in-plane loading. Asymptotic solutions are obtained for the stress components in the vicinity of the leading crack edge. These solutions are in complete agreement with information obtained from an exact three-dimensional asymptotic analysis; that is, the in-plane variation of the stress components within each layer is described by the singular portion of the elastic, plane-strain crack solution. However, because of the three-dimensional character of the problem, the amplitude of the singular solution for the stress components varies along the leading crack edge. A two-parameter model incorporating the concept of surface and interfacial boundary layers is used to describe this transverse variation.

Results from the modeling and analysis performed here include a description of the through-the-thickness variation of the near-tip stress field, which has already proven to be of use in conjunction with photoelastic measurements, and an average or effective stress intensity factor for finite thickness homogeneous plates and laminates.

Author Information

Hilton, PD
Institute of Fracture and Solid Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa.
Sin, GC
Institute of Fracture and Solid Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa.
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Details
Developed by Committee: D30
Pages: 3–35
DOI: 10.1520/STP34790S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4667-9
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0366-5