Modelling Mesh Independent Transverse Cracks in Laminated Composites with a Simplified Cohesive Segment Method

A methodology is proposed for modelling transverse matrix cracks in laminated composites in a three-dimensional explicit finite element analysis framework. The method is based on the introduction of extra degrees of freedom to represent the displacement discontinuity and the use of a cohesive zone m...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Computers, materials & continua materials & continua, 2012, Vol.32 (2), p.133-158
Main Authors: Kawashita, Luiz F, Bedos, Alexandre, Hallett, Stephen R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Algorithms
Computer simulation
Crack propagation
Damage
Fiber reinforced materials
Finite element method
Laminates
Layers
Mathematical analysis
Mathematical models
Matrix cracks
Modelling
Nucleation
Qualitative analysis
Tensile tests
Tension tests
Three dimensional analysis
Three dimensional composites
Three dimensional models
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Summary:A methodology is proposed for modelling transverse matrix cracks in laminated composites in a three-dimensional explicit finite element analysis framework. The method is based on the introduction of extra degrees of freedom to represent the displacement discontinuity and the use of a cohesive zone model to determine damage evolution and crack propagation. The model is designed for the analysis of matrix cracks in laminates made of uni-directional fibre-reinforced plies, allowing several assumptions to be made which greatly simplify the algorithm. This was implemented in the commercial software Abaqus/Explicit as a user-defined element subroutine (VUEL). The methodology was verified via the analysis of open-hole tension tests considering both ±45˚ and quasi-isotropic layups. The results were found to be in qualitative agreement with experimental observations in terms of the nucleation and propagation of matrix cracks, the progressive delamination behaviour and the evident interactions between these damage mechanisms.
ISSN:1546-2218
1546-2226
DOI:10.3970/cmc.2012.032.133