Experimental and numerical mixed-mode I + II fracture characterization of carbon fibre reinforced polymer laminates using a novel strategy

• Published in: Composite structures 2021-05, Vol.263, p.113683, Article 113683
• Main Authors: Ramírez, Francis M.G., de Moura, Marcelo F.S.F., Moreira, Raul D.F., Silva, Filipe G.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon-fibre composites; Cohesive zone modelling; Fracture characterization; Mixed-mode I+II loading; Mixed-mode partitioning method
• ISSN: 0263-8223; 1879-1085
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2021.113683

Fracture characterization of unidirectional carbon-fibre reinforced composites under mixed-mode I + II loading is analysed. An experimental procedure based on two setup configurations with five simple tests is employed. The double cantilever beam setup configuration enables fracture characterization under pure mode I considering equal specimen arms, and mixed-mode I + II loading with mode I predominance when asymmetrical specimen arms are used. Three-point-bending type of tests was also considered performing three different tests. The end-notched flexure was utilized for fracture characterization under pure mode II loading. For mixed-mode I + II loading, the single-leg bending test provides an equitable mode ratio with slight prevalence of mode I, while the asymmetric single-leg bending propitiate mixed-mode I + II with mode II predominance. A mode partitioning method based on cohesive zone modelling was employed for the mixed-mode I + II fracture tests, aiming to determine the fracture envelope. The proposed procedure is simple and efficient for an appropriate fracture characterization of composites.