In this paper, an experimental investigation on interlaminar fracture behavior and fracture toughness of a graphite/epoxy multidirectional composite laminate is presented using end-notched flexure specimens. The 0/θ interfaces are considered. The interlaminar fracture toughness is obtained and compared using three data reduction methods, i.e., the area method, classical laminated plate theory, and finite element analysis. Results show that the toughness value depends on the data reduction method used. Two different crack-length-to-span ratios are chosen to study how the stable or unstable crack extension influences the toughness measurement. It is observed that the toughness obtained from the tests of stable crack extension is appreciably higher than that from the tests of unstable crack extension. It is also seen that friction resulting from contact of crack surfaces greatly affects the measured toughness in the case of stable crack extension. In addition, effects of the specimen geometry and fiber orientation on the interlaminar fracture toughness are also evaluated. [S0094-4289(00)02804-8]
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October 2000
Technical Papers
Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of a Graphite/Epoxy Multidirectional Composite1
Z. Yang
School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1282
C. T. Sun
School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1282
Contributed by the Materials Division for publication in the JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY. Manuscript received by the Materials Division February 3, 2000; revised manuscript received April 14, 2000. Guest Editor: Assimina Pelegri.
J. Eng. Mater. Technol. Oct 2000, 122(4): 428-433 (6 pages)
Published Online: April 14, 2000
Article history
Received:
February 3, 2000
Revised:
April 14, 2000
Citation
Yang , Z., and Sun , C. T. (April 14, 2000). "Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of a Graphite/Epoxy Multidirectional Composite." ASME. J. Eng. Mater. Technol. October 2000; 122(4): 428–433. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1289027
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