Abstract
Fracture experiments were done on double edge notched unidirectional graphite/epoxy composites and the results were analyzed using the shear-lag model approach to fracture mechanics of unidirectional composites described in a companion paper [J. Comp. Mat. , 22:561-588 (1988)]. These composites all failed by longitudinal splitting parallel to the fibers and the entire crack length dependence could be predicted using the fracture mechanics expressions derived in the companion paper and a single material toughness property, the critical longitudinal splitting energy release rate. That energy release rate was found to be 300 J/m2. A new analysis of some similar data by Wright and Ianuzzi [J. Comp. Mat. , 7:430 (1973)] also showed a good fit to the theory in the companion paper. These experimental results verify that the equations derived in the companion paper are the appropriate equations to use for analysis of fracture experiments on unidirectional composites. A standard test procedure for the determination of the fracture toughness of unidirectional composites is proposed.
Published Version
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