Numerical simulation of elastic-plastic interlaminar crack propagation in interlayer-toughened composite materials

Abstract

A numerical analysis was conducted, using previously obtained experimental results, to establish basic toughening mechanisms and fracture behaviour of an interlayer-toughened composite material, containing particulate modified toughened layers. The aim of the analysis was to examine the influence of the particles on the plastic zone size that develops in front of the crack tip, and the interaction between the particles and the crack tip. Good agreement with the experimental data was found.