ABSTRACT
This chapter gives a brief overview of the current state of understanding of fracture and failure mechanisms in selected nonmetallic structural materials. It outlines the molecular structure and mechanical properties of polymeric materials, and describes how these properties influence the fracture behavior. The chapter includes a discussion of the fracture mechanisms in polymer matrix composites. It considers fracture in ceramic materials, including the newest generation of ceramic composites. The fracture behavior of polymeric materials has only recently become a major concern, as engineering plastics have begun to appear in critical structural applications. The chapter focuses on the fracture behavior of continuous fiber-reinforced plastics, as opposed to other types of polymer composites. Compared with fracture of metals, research into the fracture behavior of nonmetals is relatively new. The fracture surface has a "corrugated roof" appearance; more surface area was created in the composite experiment, which resulted in higher fracture energy.
