Stress Intensity Factor of E-Glass Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composites

Abstract

In order to analyze the stress concentration impact, intensity close to the zone of the crack tip, this work examines the in-plane SIF(SIF) of composite plates utilizing measured crack tip opening displacement (CTOD). The test specimens' E-glass fiber mats were arranged in various ply configurations. The ASTM standards utilized for researching mode I fracture of composite materials served as the foundation for the compact tension (CT) specimen. The mode I, KI Stress intensity factor (SIF), and critical stress, c, were calculated for each specimen along the fracture length propagation based on the experiments. It was found that the SIF is directly proportional with fracture length, or a/W, for all E-glass fiber laminate cases tested. The KIC is often higher in thinner laminates. The presence of woven roving increases the SIF and hence the toughness of the laminate.