A semi-analytical model for the energy release rate analyses of composite laminates with a delamination

• Published in: Finite elements in analysis and design 2011-09, Vol.47 (9), p.1017-1024
• Main Authors: Qing, G.H., Liu, Y.H., Li, D.H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Composite laminates; Delaminating; Delamination; Energy release rate; Exact sciences and technology; Finite element method; Fracture mechanics (crack, fatigue, damage...); Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Laminates; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Physics; Plates (structural members); Semi-analytical solution; Solid mechanics; Spring-layer; Structural and continuum mechanics
• ISSN: 0168-874X; 1872-6925
• DOI: 10.1016/j.finel.2011.03.017

In this paper, by combining a semi-analytical solution for sub-laminates and a linear spring-layer between sub-laminates a efficient semi-analytical model for the pointwise energy release rate of composite laminates with a linear or curve delamination front is presented. One of the main advantages of present model is that the finite element mesh is only used in plane of sub-laminates due to the transfer matrix technique being employed. As a result, the scale of final control equation involves only the so-called state variables at the top and bottom surfaces of such structures. In terms of the virtual crack closure technique (VCCT), the model is validated by comparing the numerical G I, G II, and G III of double cantilever beam specimens with those from existing examples. To show the applicability and efficiency of the proposed approach, an angle-ply plate with a curve delaminate problem is presented in the numerical examples.