Strain energy release rate in combination with reinforcement isotropic solid model (SERIS): A new mixed-mode I/II criterion to investigate fracture behavior of orthotropic materials

Strain energy release rate (SER) in conjunction with reinforcement isotropic solid (RIS) model is employed to propose a new fracture criterion in mixed-mode I/II loading named here as SERIS. The proposed criterion investigates fracture behavior of the cracked orthotropic materials that crack is parallel to the fibers. SERIS criterion is based on the extension of strain energy release rate concept. Orthotropic material is considered as an isotropic one with fibers as reinforcement of the isotropic matrix. One of the most important features of this criterion is that a microscopic kink with respect to the main crack is considered along the SER. Thus, the applicability of the new criterion, to predict the crack initiation angle in orthotropic materials, is investigated. SERIS criterion derives a new relationship for stress intensity factories in mode I and II. This criterion will be able to predict the fracture behavior and extracted the damage factor of the material only by using the mechanical properties of the material. Experimental data is used to validate the result of SERIS criterion and investigate the accuracy of this criterion. A good agreement is obtained between the fracture limit curves extracted by SERIS criterion and the experimental data.

Automated summary

The new fracture criterion SERIS, based on the concept of strain energy release rate, is proposed for orthotropic materials to predict crack initiation angle and stress intensity factors in mode I and II loading. Experimental validation shows good agreement between SERIS criterion and experimental data.