Abstract
The present paper is concerned with the problem of mixed-mode fracture, especially where such failure occurs along a plane of weakness at a bimaterial interface or by interlaminar failure in polymer fibre-composite materials. Firstly, two different schemes for analysing such mixed-mode failures are discussed. These schemes are: (i) a method based upon a consideration of the local singular field ahead of a crack tip, and (ii) a global method based upon a consideration of the applied energy release rates. Secondly, experimental data taken from the literature are reviewed and it is concluded that the latter scheme results in a more consistent interpretation of the data. Indeed, in several cases the global method clearly gives far better agreement between the theoretical predictions and the observed results. The reasons for this are suggested to be the very localised nature of the singular-dominated region ahead of a crack tip in many test specimens and the relatively large damage zone in the materials studied. Finally, the present work has led to the proposal of a general criterion for fracture under mixed-mode loading.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
K.M. Liechti and E.C. Hanson, International Journal of Fracture 36 (1988) 199–217.
Z. Suo and J.W. Hutchinson, Materials Science and Engineering A107 (1989) 135–143.
P.G. Charalambides, J. Lund, A.G. Evans and R.M. McMeeking, Journal of Applied Mechanics 56 (1989) 77–82.
S. Hashemi, A.J. Kinloch and J.G. Williams, Proceedings, Royal Society A427 (1989) 173–199.
S. Hashemi, A.J. Kinloch and J.G. Williams, ASTM STP 1110 (1991) 163–168.
J.W. Hutchinson and Z. Suo, Advances in Applied Mechanics 28 (1991) in press.
F. Erdogan and G.C. Sih, Journal of Basic Engineering 85 (1963) 519–525.
M.L. Williams, Bulletin, Seismological Society of America 49 (1959) 199–204.
J.R. Rice and G.C. Sih, Transactions ASME 32 (1965) 418–423.
B.M. Malyshev and R.L. Salganik, International Journal of Fracture Mechanics 2 (1965) 114–128.
G.C. Trantina, Journal of Composite Materials 6 (1972) 192–207.
S.S. Wang, J.F. Mandell and F.J. McGarry, International Journal of Fracture 14 (1978) 39–58.
J.G. Williams, Fracture Mechanics of Polymers, Ellis Horwood, Wiley, Chichester (1984) 55.
A.J. Kinloch, Adhesion and Adhesives: Science and Technology, Chapman and Hall, London (1983) 274.
M.L. Williams, in Adhesive Joints, K.L. Mittal (ed.), Plenum Press, New York (1984) 703–773.
J.D. Barrett and R.D. Foschi, Engineering Fracture Mechanics 9 (1977) 371–378.
J.G. Williams, International Journal of Fracture 36 (1988) 101–119.
G.C. Sih, P.C. Paris and G.R. Irwin, International Journal of Fracture Mechanics 1 (1965) 189–203.
J. Dundurs, Journal of Applied Mechanics 36 (1969) 650–652.
W.K. Wilson, ASTM STP 410 (1966) 74–75.
M.D. Thouless, A.G. Evans, M.F. Ashby and J.W. Hutchinson, Acta Metallurgica 35 (1987) 1333–1341.
M.D. Thouless and A.G. Evans, Scripta Metallurgica (1991) to be published.
A.J. Kinloch and R.J. Young, Fracture Behaviour of Polymers, Elsevier Applied Science, London (1983) 243.
S. Hashemi, A.J. Kinloch and J.G. Williams, Journal of Composite Materials 24 (1990) 918–956.
A.J. Russell and K.N. Street, ASTM STP 876 (1986) 349–370.
S. Hashemi, A.J. Kinloch and J.G. Williams, Composite Science and Technology 37 (1990) 429–462.
M. Charalambides, Ph.D. thesis, University of London, to be published.
W.M. Jordan and W.L. Bradley, ASTM STP 937 (1987) 95–114.
T.T. Wang, T.K. Kwei and H.M. Zupko, Journal of Fracture Mechanics 6 (1970) 127–137.
E. Thrusabanjong, Ph.D thesis, University of London (1987).
K.M. Liechti and Y-S. Chai, Journal of Applied Mechanics (1991) in press.
K.M. Liechti and Y-S. Chai, Journal of Applied Mechanics (1991) in press.
M.F. Hibbs, M.K. Tse and W.L. Bradley, ASTM STP 937 (1987) 115–130.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Charalambides, M., Kinloch, A.J., Wang, Y. et al. On the analysis of mixed-mode failure. Int J Fract 54, 269–291 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00035361
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00035361