Damage characterization and failure analysis in fiber reinforced composites

The basic failure modes in unidirectional composite laminates have been given and the damage characteristics in multi directional composite laminates have been summarized. In composite laminates there are four basic failure modes: matrix cracking, delamination, fiber breakage and debonding. Although numerous and complicated failure modes can be combined from the four basic failure modes mentioned above, all the failures in composite laminates can be divided into two kinds:"fiber dominated modes" and "matrix dominated modes". The failure analysis methods for composite laminates have been also discussed in this paper. At present, the knowledge of fractography of composite materials is growing and paid much attention.