Applications of Linear Fracture Mechanics: impact testing a composite material

The use of composite materials has expanded remarkably in recent years. This has allowed them to penetrate mechanical engineering markets that were previously traditionally reserved for metallic materials. This type of material is being successfully used in the manufacture of orthopedic prostheses for people with disabilities. The interest in composites in this field stems from the desire to reduce the weight of the structure and ensure good mechanical strength while guaranteeing the ability to be formed easily and inexpensively. However, it appears that this increased use remains, in some cases, incidental. As a result, problems generally related to manufacturing are the primary cause of a large number of failures in parts and structures made from reinforced polymers. Premature failures may be due to certain defects introduced during processing, to factors that were not considered or were poorly considered during design, or to improper use of the parts.