Geometric correction factors for center cracked specimens subjected to nonlinear bridging stresses in the shear lag model

Fiber bridging plays an important role in the fracture mechanism of fiber-reinforced composites. The determination of the geometric correction factors for finite-width specimens subjected to complex bridging stresses is vital for the practical application of various bridging models. An approximate approach named the force balance method (FBM) was recently reported in the literature to evaluate such geometric factors. The main purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the FBM by using the well-established boundary element method. The case of a center cracked specimen subjected to a nonlinear fiber bridging stress in the shear lag model in fiber-reinforced composites is considered. The geometric correction factors computed by the boundary element method are compared with those deduced by the FBM.