Abstract
This study investigates the influence of geometric discontinuities specifically, circular holes – on the fracture behavior of fiber-reinforced polymer composite plates containing edge cracks. Using the Finite Element Method (FEM) as a non-destructive numerical tool, we analyze how variations in hole size and positioning affect the stress distribution σyy and the J-integral near the crack tip. The J-integral, used both as a fracture toughness parameter and a crack detection indicator, effectively captures the energy release rate and the severity of crack-tip conditions in anisotropic composite materials. Reference models without holes were first validated before introducing circular holes at varying distances from the crack front. The results reveal that strategically placed holes can reduce local stress concentrations and lower the J-integral values, mitigating the driving force behind crack propagation. These findings highlight the importance of geometric optimization and advanced simulation in improving damage tolerance and fracture resistance of composite structural components. Furthermore, the insights gained are particularly relevant to the aerospace industry, where fiber-reinforced polymer composites are increasingly used in aircraft structures due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and fatigue performance. Understanding fracture behavior under geometrical modifications enhances the structural reliability of such lightweight components under operational conditions.