The Interface Crack Behavior in Dissimilar Anisotropic Composites Under Mixed-Mode Loading

A study of an interlaminar crack between dissimilar, anisotropic composites under mixed-mode loading is presented. Based on the theoretical development in [1], the problem is modeled by using a partially closed interface crack model for the closed tip and an approximate model for the other tip. Solutions are obtained for the interlaminar crack between dissimilar composites with various degrees of anisotropy under general mixed-mode loading conditions. Crack closure, contact stresses, crack-tip stress intensity factors, and energy release rates are determined for each case.