A systematic review on translaminar fracture damage propagation in fiber-reinforced polymer composites

This paper describes a systematic review on the propagation of translaminar damage in FRP considering different specimen configurations, data reduction schemes, fracture analysis, and mechanical properties. In particular, the influence of the specimen configuration (open-hole, edge-notched family, compact compression, compact tension, and compact tension shear) in results is highlighted. In this review, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol was carried out as a guide. The VCCT (Virtual Crack Closure Technique) and CDM (Continuum Damage Mechanics) are the two main categories of numerical modeling approaches used to simulate the translaminar fracture in composites. Previous studies on translaminar fracture toughness characterization indicate that unwanted failure mechanisms commonly observed in opposite regions to the specimen's crack tip may be avoided by using edge-notched specimens and open-hole tensile tests combined with data reduction schemes based on Finite Fracture Mechanics criteria. Additionally, CTS (Compact Tension Shear) presents the most prominent advantage of resulting in higher stress concentration at the crack tip, avoiding unwanted compressive and other damage effects into fracture toughness behavior, adding the advantage of the mixed mode loading application and reliable R-curve. The main findings are discussed, and the shortcomings were identified to guide further investigations and provide a reference document to aid a better understanding of the benefits still to be exploited in this field.