Predicting fracture from the tensile properties of a composite biomaterial

Fracture and tensile tests were conducted on a composite biomaterial consisting of polycarbonate matrix and calcium phosphate fibers. The fibers were short and randomly oriented. Test results were compared for composites with and without a surface treatment of the fibers.

A nonlinear finite element method was used to predict the maximum loads on pre-cracked panels. The method used the unnotched stress–strain behavior to predict the failure process in notched panels. A cohesive stress zone near the crack tip was used to model damage, stable crack growth, and failure. As in the experiments, the predicted loads were lower for the composite with coated fibers. For both materials, the predicted maximum loads were within the 6% of the experimental loads.