3D Modelling of Intersonic Crack Growth in Unidirectional Composite Plates

We investigate the feasibility of cohesive theories of fracture, in conjunction with the direct simulations of shear-load dominated fracture, to numerically reproduce the inter-sonic crack propagation in unidirectional graphite-epoxy composite plates [1]. The particular configuration contemplated in this study refers to the experiments performed by Coker and Rosakis [2, 3]. The numerical simulations capture closely the experimentally observed double shock wave structure, the large-scale contact along the fracture surfaces as well as the “hot spots” generated by frictional heating. The crack initiation and crack speed history are accurately predicted, without invoking any additional criteria, as a direct out-coming of calculations.