Towards a Predictive Design Methodology Based on the Physical Modelling of the Fracture of Fiber Composites

A predictive design methodology based on modelling the fracture stress (notched tensile strength) and post-fatigue residual strength of laminated fiber composites is presented. The approach is based explicitly on the development of models of the physical processes by which damage accumulates at a notch-tip and the application of these models to cross-ply laminates for a variety of material systems, including thermosetting and thermoplastic matrices containing carbon, glass and Kevlar fiber reinforcements. The effects of temperature and humidity on composite fracture can also be examined in the context of this modelling strategy.