Numerical analysis of the influence of a nearby fibre on the interface crack growth in composites under transverse tensile load

Abstract

In this paper the interface crack growth associated to the inter-fibre failure under tension is studied by means of a two-fibres BEM model. The influence of the presence of an undamaged secondary fibre on the evolution of the interface crack at a primary one is analysed by means of Interfacial Fracture Mechanics concepts. The results obtained show that when the secondary fibre is aligned with the direction of the external load, its presence has an accelerative effect versus interface crack growth, whereas it has a protective effect for the rest of the positions considered.