Mode I Fracture in Nanocomposite Laminates within Multistage Traction-Separation Law

Abstract

The main focus of this work is to investigate and compare the effect of adding nanoparticles to composite laminates on fracture process zone characterization including bridging and cohesive laws according to a multistage traction-separation law. To do this, three different methods have been utilized (Corrected Beam Theory, Experimental Compliance Method and Modified Compliance Calibration) to calculate the energy release rates in Mode I fracture. The numerical investigation of mode I fracture in nanocomposite laminates was done based on the multistage traction-separation law derived from double cantilever beam tests.