Crack propagation on highly heterogeneous composite materials
Patrício, M (Miguel) · TU/e Research Portal · 2008
In this thesis we study the problem of crack growth on highly heterogeneous periodically distributed composites. The material components are assumed to be linearly elastic, isotropic and homogeneous. Depending on the length scale at which the problem is viewed, several points of view can be adopted. The simplest approach is given by looking at the macroscale. It is assumed that the propagation occurs on a homogeneous material and we are within the scope of linear elastic fracture mechanics. Predicting the behaviour of a growing crack then involves solving the elasticity problems for the cracked structure as the propagation occurs and having a fracture criterion available.