Effect of the proximity to the 0°/90° interface on Energy Release Rate of fiber/matrix interface crack growth in the 90°-ply of a cross-ply laminate under tensile loading

Abstract

Models of Representative Volume Elements of cross-ply laminates with different geometric configurations and damage states are studied. Debond growth is characterized by the estimation of the Mode I and Mode II Energy Release Rate using the Virtual Crack Closure Technique. It is found that the presence of the [Formula: see text] interface and the thickness of the [Formula: see text] layer has no effect, apart from laminates with ultra-thin [Formula: see text] plies where it is however modest. The present analysis supports the claim that debond growth is not affected by the ply-thickness effect.