Abstract
Transverse cracking, i.e. matrix cracking in the off-axis plies of the laminate, is widely recognized as the first damage mode to appear in continuous fibre-reinforced composite laminates subjected to in-plane loading. Since transverse cracking has a great influence on the subsequent damage steps such as delaminations or oblique cracks, it is important to be able to predict its onset and growth accurately. In this paper, it is proposed to use a combination of the Coupled Criterion of Finite Fracture Mechanics (FFM) and the Equivalent Constraint Model (ECM) to predict the evolution of crack density with increasing applied load. Two formulations – a discrete formulation and a continuous formulation – are developed for the energy criterion within the Coupled Criterion. Some dependences between the two formulations are proved, which justifies the good agreement found by the models based on continuous formulations presented by other authors despite the inherent discrete nature of the phenomenon. Dependence of the failure load predicted by the Coupled Criterion on the layer thickness ratio and brittleness number (a structural parameter that characterizes a combination of stiffness, strength, fracture toughness and the thickness of the cracked ply of the laminate) is examined and discussed for carbon/epoxy and glass/epoxy laminates. Finally, comparison against experimental results shows a good agreement.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 189-199 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | International Journal of Solids and Structures |
Volume | 139-140 |
Early online date | 31 Jan 2018 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 15 May 2018 |
Bibliographical note
The authors are indebted to Professors Federico París and Antonio Blázquez (University of Seville) for inspiring discussions. The authors wish to thank the Royal Society (UK) International Exchanges Scheme (award # IE141234), the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and European Regional Development Fund (Projects MAT2012-37387 and MAT2015-71036-P) for supporting thisresearch.
Keywords
- transverse cracking
- composite laminate
- failure criterion
- finite fracture mechanics
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Maria Kashtalyan
- Engineering, Engineering - Personal Chair
- Engineering, Centre for Micro- and Nanomechanics (CEMINACS)
Person: Academic