Effect of notch and crack initiating from notch on the behavior of adhesively bonded composite laminated plate

Abstract

Reinforcing structures using bonded composites is an effective and economic method to increase the service life of damaged structures. In this study, we use the finite element method to analyze the behavior of a laminated structure by computing the stress concentration factor and the stress intensity factor at the crack tip in mode I. The effects of the mechanical properties of the laminate layers and the adhesive layer on the behavior of the assembly are highlighted. The results show that the factors of concentration and stress intensity are affected by the orientation of fibers and the presence of geometrical defects. The magnitude of the latter affects and amplifies the stress concentrations at the crack tip.