Assessment of fracture process zone length in carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy composites through Digital Image Correlation
Diogo Cardoso, Rúben Pereira, M.F.S.F. de Moura, Nuno Correia
Abstract
This work investigates the fracture process zone (FPZ) in carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy composites using displacement field data obtained from Digital Image Correlation (DIC). A set of Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) tests were conducted to generate mode I interlaminar fractures. A systematic approach was implemented to track the crack front by analyzing the displacement fields derived from DIC measurements. The FPZ length was quantified by evaluating the displacement gradients near the crack tip. The results provide a direct correlation between the displacement field characteristics and the FPZ length, offering a method for evaluating fracture mechanics in composite materials.
Topics & Concepts
Digital image correlationEpoxyComposite materialMaterials scienceFracture (geology)Optical measurement and interference techniquesMechanical Behavior of CompositesUltrasonics and Acoustic Wave Propagation