Failure Analysis of Polycarbonate Materials Under Structural Loading

This involved advanced fracture mechanics analysis of polycarbonate material specimens using finite element modelling in Abaqus, within a semi-infinite strip geometry under fixed-grip loading conditions. The work focused on evaluating Mode I fracture behaviour through systematic computation of stress intensity factors and energy release rates, combining analytical derivations with computational simulations. Linear elastic fracture mechanics principles were applied, including J-integral evaluation, displacement methods, and stress field characterisation near crack tips. Parametric studies examining the influence of geometric ratios on fracture behaviour were conducted, with computational results demonstrating strong agreement with theoretical predictions — validating both the analytical formulations and numerical implementations across multiple loading and geometry configurations.