Characterisation and modelling of the notched tensile fracture of woven quasi-isotropic GFRP laminates

Notched Strength of Woven Fabric Kenaf Composite Plates with Different Stacking Sequences and Hole Sizes

“…The notched strength decreased as hole size increased due larger remaining unloaded plate width, as expected. This also associated with smaller area of damage zone length developed at the hole vicinity prior to catastrophic failures as reported by Belmonte [4]. As mentioned previously, increased notched strength with smaller hole size is expected due to larger unloaded region from the vicinity of the notch.…”

“…Thereafter, fibre fracture occurred is an indicator of reaching peak load prior to catastrophic failure. Although this study did not measure the damage zone length (due to limited scope of current work), the existence of damage zone at vicinity of the notch has been reported by previous researchers [4][5][6]. Figure 2(b) showed an example of 5 mm hole size testing coupon at failure.…”

“…From the graph, the notched plate of woven fabric kenaf composite demonstrated a linear elastic behaviour until ultimate load and failure in a brittle manner. It is assumed that plastic deformation in tensile testing of notched plate is negligible, as found in other composite systems (Belmonte [4] and Manger [6]). Experimental observation found that a screeching sound were heard after few minutes testing, associated with matrix cracking and delamination occurred at its notch edge.…”

“…Comprehensive review of published literatures concerned with notched plates in composite materials and associated experimental observations has been presented [3][4][5][6].…”

“…The distance ahead the notch edge prior to catastrophic failure is known as process zone length where micro-damage event takes place. In a notched woven fabric GFRP composite subjected to remote tension, it has been shown experimentally using a model (transparent) GFRP system that prior to failure an intense zone of damage develops in the region of maximum tensile stress [4]. Damage within that zone comprises of matrix cracking, fibre-matrix splitting and fibre tow fracture.…”