The determination of crack propagation and fracture toughness in orthotropic materials

In this study, fracture toughness values of glass epoxy composite material have been found by experimental results. While determining fracture toughness values Lineer Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) approach has been used.In the first part of this study, general information about the objective is given. In the second part, general properties of composite materials are mentioned, they are classified and the explanation is made that where they are used.In the third part of this study, general information about the fracture mechanics is given. In the fourth part fracture toughness experiments and experimental study are mentioned. In the same chapter, ways of calculating fracture toughness have been discussed. In the last chapter, all the results of the experiments have been assessed.