Tensile Fracture of Laminates with Holes

Abstract

The methods currently used for predicting static fracture of notched composite laminates in tension, such as the point and average stress criteria and the inherent flaw criterion, are of semi-empirical nature and have limited applicability with respect to size and shape of the notch. In this paper, a damage zone analysis, based on more fundamental concepts, is used to predict fracture of laminates with circular holes of various radii, and oval and rectangular holes of various sizes. The damage is represented by a linear cohesive zone. Based on the two fundamental parameters unnotched tensile strength (σ0) and apparent fracture energy (G*c), this model excellently predicts the strength of notched laminates for a number of specimens tested.