Numerical Simulation of Mixed-mode Progressive Delamination in Composite Materials

A new decohesion element with the capability of dealing with crack propagation under mixed-mode loading is proposed and demonstrated. The element is used at the interface between solid finite elements to model the initiation and non-self-similar growth of delaminations in composite materials. A sing...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of composite materials 2003-01, Vol.37 (16), p.1415-1438
Main Authors: Camanho, P P, Davila, C G, De Moura, M.F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:A new decohesion element with the capability of dealing with crack propagation under mixed-mode loading is proposed and demonstrated. The element is used at the interface between solid finite elements to model the initiation and non-self-similar growth of delaminations in composite materials. A single relative displacement-based damage parameter is applied in a softening law to track the damage state of the interface and to prevent the restoration of the cohesive state during unloading. The softening law is applied in the three-parameter Benzeggagh-Kenane mode interaction criterion to predict mixed mode delamination propagation. To demonstrate the accuracy of the predictions, steady-state delamination growth is simulated for quasi-static loading of various single mode and mixed-mode delamination test specimens and the results are compared with experimental data. [Materials: IM7/977-2, AS4/3501-6 (carbon/epoxy); AS4/PEEK.]
ISSN:0021-9983
DOI:10.1177/002199803034505