Mixed mode asymptotic crack tip fields in orthotropic materials: Derivation and range of dominance

In the first part of this work the asymptotic stress field distribution surrounding a crack in a generally orthotropic solid (i.e. one in which the material and loading axes do not coincide) is derived. The resulting crack tip stress intensity factors are also related to the energy release rate of the cracked solid. In any physical situation, however, the range of dominance of these asymptotic fields will be limited, and will depend on specific geometry and loading parameters. Thus, the second part of this work deals with the range of dominance of the derived stress fields in edge cracked bending loaded fiber reinforced composite plates. The lower and upper limits of the range of dominance of the solution are respectively determined from three-dimensional and two-dimensional full field finite element solutions. The comparison of full field solutions with the asymptotic result provides information on the latter's range of dominance. In all cases the effects of mixed mode loading are considered.