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Numerical Modeling of Combined Matrix Cracking and Delamination in Composite Laminates Using Cohesive Elements

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Abstract

Sub-laminate damage in the form of matrix cracking and delamination was simulated by using interface cohesive elements in the finite element (FE) software ABAQUS. Interface cohesive elements were inserted parallel to the fiber orientation in the transverse ply with equal spacing (matrix cracking) and between the interfaces (delamination). Matrix cracking initiation in the cohesive elements was based on stress traction separation laws and propagated under mixed-mode loading. We expanded the work of Shi et al. (Appl. Compos. Mater. 21, 57–70 2014) to include delamination and simulated additional [45/−45/0/90]s and [02/90n]s {n = 1,2,3} CFRP laminates and a [0/903]s GFRP laminate. Delamination damage was quantified numerically in terms of damage dissipative energy. We observed that transverse matrix cracks can propagate to the ply interface and initiate delamination. We also observed for [0/90n/0] laminates that as the number of 90° ply increases past n = 2, the crack density decreases. The predicted crack density evolution compared well with experimental results and the equivalent constraint model (ECM) theory. Empirical relationships were established between crack density and applied stress by linear curve fitting. The reduction of laminate elastic modulus due to cracking was also computed numerically and it is in accordance with reported experimental measurements.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Human Resources Development Program (No. 20114010203070) of the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP) Grant funded by the Korea government Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The research was supported by ‘Software Convergence Technology Development Program’, through the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning (S1002-13-1004).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Aerospace and System Engineering, Research Center for Aircraft Parts Technology, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Gyeongnam, 660-701, South Korea

    Deepak Kumar, Rene Roy & Jin-Hwe Kweon

  2. School of Mechanical Engineering, Research Center for Aircraft Parts Technology, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Gyeongnam, 660-701, South Korea

    Jin-ho Choi

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  1. Deepak Kumar
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Correspondence to Jin-Hwe Kweon.

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Kumar, D., Roy, R., Kweon, JH. et al. Numerical Modeling of Combined Matrix Cracking and Delamination in Composite Laminates Using Cohesive Elements. Appl Compos Mater 23, 397–419 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10443-015-9465-0

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