Determination of energy release rate and mode mix in three-dimensional layered structures using plate theory

A plate theory-based method for determining energy release rates is present ed for general loadings of three dimensional layered structures. Mode decom position is performed for cases that exhibit an inverse square root singula rity and for which certain other restrictions apply. Predictions for energy release rate and mode mix for typical problems are presented and verified by comparison with results obtained by three dimensional finite element ana lyses.