ABSTRACT
Abstract This paper presents the results of a study of the near-tip mechanics of Mode-I cracking in brittle matrix composite laminates. A finite element model is developed within the context of two competing characteristic lengths present in the composite: the micro structural length (the thickness of the layers) and a macro-length (crack length, uncracked ligament size, etc.). For various values of the parameters that describe the ratio of these lengths and the constituent properties, the stresses in the vicinity of a crack perpendicular to the laminates and the local stress intensity factors are compared with those predicted by assuming the composite is homogeneous orthotropic. The results of this study can be used to determine the conditions for which homogenization can provide a sufficiently accurate description of the stresses in the vicinity of a crack-tip in a laminated composite. Keywords: Heterogeneity, homogenization, dual-length, composites, laminates, crack, orthotropy, micro structure.
