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Energy release rate prediction for delamination versus echelon crack advance under global mode III loadings

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Abstract

The energetics controlling delamination versus echelon crack advance in a tape composite laminate subjected to anti-plane shear loading are studied. The finite element method is used to model both single and multiple echelon cracks that intersect the planar delamination front. Energy release rates are determined along the echelon crack peripheries and along the planar delamination front. Various echelon crack shapes are evaluated in order to represent progressive stages of growth. It is shown that the echelon cracks advance due to primarily mode I conditions, whereas a mode III criterion is appropriate for predicting advance of the planar delamination. It is further shown that mode I advance of the echelon crack and mode III advance of the delamination are competing yet coupled processes, and that the sequence of events predicted by this approach agrees with what has been observed experimentally.

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Acknowledgements

This work was partially supported by a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship under Grant No. DGE-1247399.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. R&D Engineer – Composites Material and Process Engineering, Spirit AeroSystems, 3801 S Oliver St., Wichita, KS, 67210, USA

    Allison L. Horner

  2. Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Syracuse University, 263 Link Hall, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA

    Barry D. Davidson

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  1. Allison L. Horner
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Correspondence to Barry D. Davidson.

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Horner, A.L., Davidson, B.D. Energy release rate prediction for delamination versus echelon crack advance under global mode III loadings. Int J Fract 207, 161–179 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10704-017-0226-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10704-017-0226-y

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