Analytical and finite element comparisons of stress intensity factors of composite materials

In this paper, a comparative study regarding the determination of stress in tensity factors (SIF) for non-standard thin composite plates is presented. Carbon-epoxy composite plates are considered for the study. Unnotched speci mens and specimens containing either 4, 6 or 8 mm diameter holes are prepar ed and then tested. Based on the experimental data thus obtained, two analy tical approaches and a finite element fracture analysis tool called FRANC2D L have been used to compare the critical SIF values for this composite mate rial. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.