Three-Dimensional Micromechanics Analysis of Strain Energy Release Rate Distribution along Delamination Crack Front in FRP

Abstract

The effect of fiber/matrix interfaces on the distribution of local strain energy release rates along crack front was studied by using a three-dimensional inhomogeneous model of a unidirectional FRP. For a crack with a straight crack-front line perpendicular to fibers, the local strain energy release rate along the crack front takes a maximum value at the crack-front point closest to the fiber/matrix interface. This result suggests that a crack with a straight front line starts to grow at the nearest crack-front point to interfaces and the crack growth in the region far away from interfaces follows behind.