Characterization and Modeling of Fracture and Damage Behavior of Notched Woven Fabric GFRP Laminates under Three-point Bending at Cryogenic Temperatures

Abstract

This study focuses on understanding the cryogenic fracture and damage behavior of woven fabric GFRP laminates. Fracture toughness tests were conducted in three-point bending using single-edge-notched bend (SENB) specimens at room, liquid nitrogen, and liquid helium temperatures. The effects of temperature and specimen size on the apparent fracture toughness were evaluated. A three-dimensional finite element analysis coupled with damage was also employed to study the nonlinear load-displacement response and the damage evolution of SENB specimens, and to examine the effects of temperature, specimen size and damage on the fracture mechanics parameter. The predictions were compared with the experimental data.