Smallness in cracks is determined by the size of the domain over which nonlinear processes occur. In fiber-reinforced composites, diverse nonlinear processes arise, including those intrinsic to the matrix and those associated with crack shielding phenomena on a much larger scale. The length scales characterizing these processes will be reviewed here. In laminates containing through-thickness reinforcement such as stitched or woven fiber tows or short rods, the scales associated with smallness in fatigue delamination cracks can be very large (~ 100 mm). Thus in analyzing structures containing such cracks, the usual approaches to fracture predictions are inadequate. The path to correct modeling will be discussed and an engineering approach to fatigue life prediction outlined.
Small fatigue cracks in laminates with through-thickness reinforcement
MASSABO', ROBERTA
1999-01-01
Abstract
Smallness in cracks is determined by the size of the domain over which nonlinear processes occur. In fiber-reinforced composites, diverse nonlinear processes arise, including those intrinsic to the matrix and those associated with crack shielding phenomena on a much larger scale. The length scales characterizing these processes will be reviewed here. In laminates containing through-thickness reinforcement such as stitched or woven fiber tows or short rods, the scales associated with smallness in fatigue delamination cracks can be very large (~ 100 mm). Thus in analyzing structures containing such cracks, the usual approaches to fracture predictions are inadequate. The path to correct modeling will be discussed and an engineering approach to fatigue life prediction outlined.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.