Abstract
The fracture toughness characterization of random fiber reinforced polymer composites has been investigated by several research groups in recent years. This paper discusses the methods and results of some of these investigations with regard to the applicability of classical linear elastic fracture mechanics approaches to such materials. In polymers randomly reinforced with short fibers (0.5 mm) the region of inelastic behavior ahead of crack tips is sufficiently small that LEFM toughness tests are valid with standard specimen sizes. However, calculations suggest that during fracture of composites with “long” fibers (24 or 50 mm), inelasticities occur to such an extent that the small scale yielding requirements of LEFM are not satisfied. An alternative approach based on the material tension-softening curve may be more appropriate to characterize fracture toughness in fiber reinforced composites.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
