Numerical Analysis of Interlaminar Crack Propagation in Glass/Epoxy Composites under Mode I and Mode II Loading

This study investigates the impact of crack propagation direction on the interlaminar fracture toughness of glass/epoxy composite materials, with a focus on the complex behavior of cracks influenced by fiber orientation and loading modes. Glass-fiber-reinforced epoxy composites are widely utilized in aerospace and automotive applications due to their high strength-to-weight ratio; however, they are susceptible to interlaminar fractures, particularly delamination, which can significantly compromise structural integrity. This research utilizes a three-dimensional MATLAB-based simulation model to investigate the effects of stress intensity factors (SIF) and energy release rates (G) on the initiation, propagation, and arrest of cracks in glass/epoxy composites. The simulation results revealed that the Mode I stress intensity factor (KI) reached approximately ۲.۶۱_x۰۰۰۷_۸ exhibits an accelerating growth with crack length, whereas the Mode II stress intensity factor (KII) attained about ۳.۶_x۰۰۰۷_۶, following a more gradual linear increase. This suggests that different loading conditions result in distinct fracture mechanisms. This study provides valuable data for the design and reliability of composite structures subjected to high-stress conditions.

کلیدواژه ها:

Interlaminar fracture toughness ، glass/epoxy composites ، crack propagation direction ، stress intensity factors ، delamination