Two- and Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analyses of Crack Fronts in a Multidirectional Composite ENF Specimen

Results are presented from a numerical investigation of the effect of the shape of the delaminationfront on energy release rate distribution in a laminated carbon fibre reinforced epoxy end-notchedflexure test specimen. The deformation behaviour of the specimen has been computed by threedimensionalnonlinear finite element analyses using a recently developed layered 3D-shell element.The distributions of the local mixed mode energy release rates along the initial straight and onemeasured...