MECHANICS OF DEBONDING AND DELAMINATION IN COMPOSITES - ASYMPTOTIC STUDIES

The purpose of this paper is to discuss fracture mechanics basis for t he analysis of debonding and delamination in composites. Linear elasti c interfacial fracture mechanics theories are reviewed, with emphasis on the modelling and characterization of stress and deformation fields near the edges of debonding and delamination. Relations between stres s intensity factors and crack-tip strain energy release rate are prese nted for a variety of cases. Effects of crack growth, material anisotr opy, and crack surface contact and friction are considered in detail. Explicit expressions are given for many important results. Implication s of the interfacial fracture mechanics theories to the analysis of de lamination and debonding in composite materials are discussed.