Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

1991

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Carlsson, Leif A.

Thesis/Dissertation Co-Chair

Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness, G IC, of interleaved graphite/epoxy has been investigated with DCB specimens, beam theory, and finite element analysis. Finite element modeling aimed to investigate the influence of interleaf thickness on compliance and energy release rate and possible mixed mode loading in the case of asymmetric interfacial crack. Another objective was to compute crack tip yield zone dimensions as a function of thickness and elastic properties of the interleaf material. The analysis is correlated with experiments. Thermoplastic interleaves enhanced G IC to a great extent. The toughness increased sharply with film thickness to a maximum at 16 mu m and decreased for the thicker interleaves. On the other hand, inadequate adhesion preempted the toughness potential of thermoset interleaves.

Extent

145 p.

Comments

College of Engineering and Computer Science|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1991.|College of Engineering and Computer Science

Identifier

FADT14682

Format

pdf

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