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Evaluating the Local Strengh and Crack Resistance of an Glass Fiber Epoxy Composite in the Interlayer Tension and Shear Using a Finite-Element Model and Experimentally Determined Parameters of the Cohesive Zone

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Mechanics of Composite Materials Aims and scope

A systematic evaluation of the interlayer crack resistance in the modes I and II loadings of a glass fiber epoxy laminated composite by experimental and computational methods using the cohesive zone model was carried out. The local properties (the ultimate stress σC, the maximum displacement δmax, and the specific work of fracture γF) of the cohesive zone were determined experimentally by the methods of separation and shear of the layer contact zone; the critical intensities of elastic energy release (GIC and GIIC) were found by the method of linear elastic fracture mechanics. Based on the experimental data obtained, the critical length of the cohesive zone was calculated by the Barenblatt micromechanical theory. A numerical evaluation of the crack resistance of a laminated composite under conditions of static loading in the modes I and II was carried out using 3D finite-element models of a double-cantilever beam and end-notched flexure specimens with an implemented cohesive zone obeying the exponential law. The optimal number of interface elements in the finite-element mesh was determined for the cohesive zone calculated based on experimental data, which ensured a sufficient accuracy of numerical calculating the ultimate load of the onset of crack growth and the stress distribution along the length of the cohesive zone with a minimum number of calculations. The approach proposed and the results obtained showed a good agreement between the calculated and experimentally determined characteristics of standard specimens of glass fiber epoxy composite and can be used to calculate the interlayer strength and crack resistance of structural members with a complex geometry made of layered polymer composites.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Moscow Aviation Institute, Moscow, 125993, Russia

    P. G. Babaevsky & N. V. Salienko

  2. Joint-Stock Company “NIIgrafit”, Moscow, 111524, Russia

    A. A. Shatalin

Authors
  1. P. G. Babaevsky
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  2. N. V. Salienko
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  3. A. A. Shatalin
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Correspondence to P. G. Babaevsky.

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Babaevsky, P.G., Salienko, N.V. & Shatalin, A.A. Evaluating the Local Strengh and Crack Resistance of an Glass Fiber Epoxy Composite in the Interlayer Tension and Shear Using a Finite-Element Model and Experimentally Determined Parameters of the Cohesive Zone. Mech Compos Mater 59, 713–724 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11029-023-10126-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11029-023-10126-6

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