A method of calculation of total strain energy release rate and its layer-wise distribution for an arbitrary through-the-thickness crack extension in a composite laminate

Abstract

A method of calculation of strain energy release rate (SERR) associated with an arbitrary through-the-thickness extension of a crack in balanced symmetric laminated composites is presented. The method permits calculations of energy released by each of the layers. In the case of coplanar extensions the method gives an excellent accuracy, which is checked in a large number of laminates. Strain energy released by individual layers for non-coplanar extensions have been obtained for the first time for the same laminates.