抄録
Damage ahead of notch tips in continuous fiber-reinforced cross-ply laminates consists of a group of microcracks extending parallel to fibers in each ply. In this paper, we try to simulate the damage extension by applying the concept of fracture mechanics directly to the extending microcracks. Elastic strain energy released by the extension of the microcracks was measured by using a compliance method with quick unloading, which is separated from inelastically dissipated energy due to the viscoelastic property of matrix resin. The experimental result suggests that the microcracks extend on the condition of constant released elastic strain energy per unit area of microcracks. Acoording to this result, we have derived the governing equation of damage extension, which is the modified Griffith's criterion for local microcrack extension. This equation enables us to simulate the damage extension, and the simulation results appear to be in perfect agreement with the experimental results.
