Numerical analysis of mixed-mode fracture toughness of glass/vinylester composite laminates

This chapter investigates the delamination phenomenon in Glass/Vinylester composite laminated. Numerical results confirm that the increase of the mode-II loading contribution leads to an increase of fracture resistance in the Glass/Vinylester composite that is a reduction in the total strain energy release rate. Resistance to delamination is known as the interlaminar fracture toughness or interlaminar fracture resistance. Therefore, to determine the fracture of composite materials, their interlaminar fracture toughness should be characterized. The main problem of predicting the failure of composite materials is to characterize it in terms of interlaminar fracture toughness under mixed-mode loading conditions. Linear elastic fracture mechanics and plan strain conditions are the primary requirements. The crack is represented as a one-dimensional discontinuity by a line of nodes on the top and bottom fracture surfaces. N. Ben Salem et al. used the Mixed Mode Bending test method for investigation of crack propagation in adhesively bonded joints.