Crack length estimation procedure for short fiber composites: An experimental evaluation

Abstract Validity of the compliance matching procedure has been examined for short fiber composites experimentally by studying the behavior of damaged specimens. Comparison between the behavior of damaged and fresh specimens shows that the load—COD (crack mouth opening displacement) curve and fracture load of a damaged specimen are different from that of a fresh specimen having a machined crack of length equal to the estimated crack length in the damaged specimen. However, it has been clearly established that the secondary compliance of the damaged specimen can be used to accurately estimate the extent of damage to the specimen by earlier loading. Therefore, the use of the compliance matching procedure is justified for estimating instantaneous crack length in short fiber composites.