ISSN:
1741-2765
Keywords:
Textiles
;
fracture mechanics
;
fracture toughness testing
;
composite materials
;
crack growth
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
Notes:
Abstract An experimental technique is developed to measure the fracture toughness of fabrics using the variables normally associated with fracture mechanics: stress and crack length. The technique uses a fabric with a slit (crack) of known length wrapped around an expandable cylinder. Pneumatic pressure is used to apply stress to the fabric until the crack propagates. The results suggest that fracture toughness is independent of initial crack length. Crack tip micromechanics measurements are made during the toughness experiments, and these results are compared with a finite element model of the experiment. Crack-opening displacement and the distribution of effective strain ahead of the crack tip are in reasonable agreement when fiber sliding is included in the finite element model. The conclusions are that a crack in a fabric can be characterized by linear elastic fracture mechanics, and that fracture toughness can be used as a description of fabric damage tolerance.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02326487
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