Fracture mechanics of polymer composites in aerospace applications - ScienceDirect
Fiber-reinforced polymer-matrix composites find increasing use in high performance aerospace structures and elements due to their light-weight and the related high specific strength and stiffness. Over the last 30 to 40 years, fracture mechanics test method development for these materials has yielded several standards and additional standard procedures are in preparation. The current status of standardisation is briefly reviewed and the applicability of fracture mechanics data for composites design and other uses in aerospace is discussed. Major issues are laminate lay-up, fatigue behaviour, and service conditions. These are illustrated by selected data from fracture mechanics literature......
