BUCKLING OF A THIN, TENSION-LOADED, COMPOSITE PLATE WITH AN INCLINED CRACK

A numerical study of the local buckling and fracture response of a thi n composite plate with an inclined crack and subjected to tension is p resented. Local buckling of the unsupported edges of the crack occurs due to compressive stresses caused by a Poisson effect in the neighbor hood of the crack. The relationship between fracture of a plate with a crack and the local buckling and postbuckling responses of the plate is established through a geometrically nonlinear finite-element analys is in conjunction with concepts from fracture mechanics. The analysis is based on a co-rotational form of the updated Lagrangian formulation that is implemented with a triangular shell element that includes tra nsverse shear deformation effects. The potential energy release rate r esults are computed for a predetermined radial crack propagation direc tion that coincides with the location of the maximum stationary strain energy density near the crack tip. The results indicate that the loca l buckling load increases and the potential energy release rate decrea ses as the crack orientation changes from a transverse crack to a long itudinal crack aligned with the direction of the applied tension load. The effect of stacking sequence on the local buckling load and on the energy release rate for specific crack orientations is also discussed . (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.