Fracture behaviour of composite maritime T-joints

This paper outlines a study on the fracture behaviour of a glass fibre reinforced polymer T-joint commonly used in composite marine vessels. Finite element analysis was conducted using the virtual crack closure technique (VCCT) to investigate the fracture behaviour of the structure. The structure analysed contained initial disbond in various locations with various sizes under a straight pull-off load. The strain energy release rate (SERR) at the disbond tips were used to predict the failure loads and crack growth mechanism of the structure. The experimental results validated the VCCT as a tool for assessing the fracture behaviour and damage criticality of such structures. It was also discovered that skewed loading affected the SERR at the crack tips which altered the fracture behaviour of such structures, therefore sensitivity analysis is recommended to enhance the prediction accuracy.