Plane Analysis of Finite Multilayered Media With Multiple Aligned Cracks—Part II: Numerical Results

In Part I of this paper, elasticity solutions were developed for finite multilayered domains, weakened by aligned cracks, that are in a state of generalized plane deformation under two types of end constraints. In Part II we address computational aspects of the developed solution methodology that must be implemented numerically, and present new fundamental results that are relevant to modern technologically important applications involving defect criticality of multilayers. The computational aspects include discussion of the various parameters that influence the accuracy with which numerical results are generated and subsequent verification by a comparison with previously reported results in the limit, as the in-plane dimensions become very large and layer anisotropy vanishes. The present solution quantifies the thus far undocumented effects of finite dimensions, crack location, and material anisotropy due to a unidirectional fiber-reinforced layer’s orientation on Mode I, II, and III stress intensity factors in composite multilayers with single and multiple interacting cracks under different loading and boundary conditions. These effects may have significant impact on defect criticality of advanced multilayered structures when cracks are in close proximity to vertical and horizontal boundaries.