A numerical analysis of crack growth in brittle microcracking composites
A set of numerical analyses of crack growth was performed to elucidate the mechanism of microcracking on the observed fracture behavior of brittle solids and composites. The random nucleation, orientation and size effects of discrete microcracks and resulting interactions are fully accounted for in a hybrid finite element model. The results indicate that the energy expenditure due the microcrack nucleation seems not to contribute significantly to the resistance to crack growth. The main controlling parameter appears to be elastic interaction of the microcracks with the main crack in the absence of a reinforcing phase; therefore, the microcrack density plays an important role. In the case of the composites, the interaction of the main crack with the stress fields of the reinforcing phase, rather than interaction of microcracks, is the controlling parameter for the resistance to the crack growth even in the presence of a large population of microcracks. It will be also shown that the crack branching and crack kinking can readily develop as a result of microcracking.
- Research Organization:
- Ames Lab., IA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-82
- OSTI ID:
- 10154974
- Report Number(s):
- IS-M-747; CONF-931078-1; ON: DE93011562
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Mechanism and mechanics of composite fracture meeting,Pittsburgh, PA (United States),17-21 Oct 1993; Other Information: PBD: [1993]
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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