LAUSR

This research reports the computation of the fracture parameters, namely T-stress and stress intensity factors of a stepwise functionally graded material (FGM) by using the digital image correlation technique. A five-layer epoxy/glass FGM with layers varying from pure epoxy to 60 % glass/40 % epoxy was investigated. The effects of the crack-tip positions and crack length on the nonsingular terms were analyzed. In addition, the numerical simulation of the layered FGM was investigated to further evaluate the fracture parameters. The numerical and experimental model results were compared, and good agreement was obtained between the experimental and numerical tests. Accordingly, the numerical models developed with the corresponding material properties can be used for the evaluation of fracture parameters of the developed FGM.