Empirical model for stress ratio effect on fatigue delamination growth rate in composite laminates

An empirical model is proposed for the stress ratio effect on the fatigue delamination growth rate in composite laminates under single-mode loading, intending to provide a simple and accurate description tool in engineering application. The model is based on heuristic considerations of damage accumulation ahead of the crack. Linear cumulative assumption is used for damage estimation. Comparison of the prediction based on the proposed model with the test results for different carbon, glass, and alumina fibre-reinforced composites at several stress ratios shows reasonable agreement. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.