Experimental determination of mode I stress intensity factor in orthotropic materials using a single strain gage

This paper presents a robust technique for experimental determination of mode I stress intensity factor in orthotropic materials using only a single strain gage. Theoretical foundation and finite element based analysis leading to the selection of the angular orientation and position of the strain gage for accurate estimation of KI in orthotropic materials is presented here. Applicability of the proposed method has been established through experiments conducted on edge-cracked carbon-epoxy laminates. Results show that the present single strain gage experiments yield accurate values of KI when strain gage locations are selected as per the criteria set by the proposed approach.