ON THE FRACTURE-TOUGHNESS OF ORTHOTROPIC MATERIALS

A simple procedure for using the finite element method to calculate th e stress intensity factor of othotropic materials is presented in this paper. Using the procedure, several cases are analysed to ii lustrate the difference between the behaviour of isotropic and orthotropic mat erials and hence point out some inaccuracies in the fracture toughness values for Pinus radiata quoted in the current literature. In additio n, new fracture toughness values for green P. radiata are given. (C) 1 997 Elsevier Science Ltd.