Mixed-Mode Fracture of Graphite/Epoxy Composites: Fracture Strength

Abstract

The paper presents results on the fracture strength of Gr/Ep (T300/5208) [0/±45 and [0/±45/90] symmetric laminates in the pres ence of angle cracks. It is concluded that the fracture strength can be predicted irrespectively of the crack orientation if one uses the effective normal crack length in the equation developed for normal cracks. However, the application of the present model to isotropic, homogeneous materials may not be so satisfactory as is, say, the maximum tangential stress criterion.