A crack tip tracking algorithm for cohesive interface element analysis of fatigue delamination propagation in composite materials

Kawashita, Luiz ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6640-6028 and Hallett, Stephen R. 2012. A crack tip tracking algorithm for cohesive interface element analysis of fatigue delamination propagation in composite materials. International Journal of Solids and Structures 49 (21) , pp. 2898-2913. 10.1016/j.ijsolstr.2012.03.034

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Abstract

A novel approach is proposed for the use of cohesive elements in the analysis of delamination propagation in composite materials under high-cycle fatigue loading. The method is applicable to delamination propagation within the Paris-law regime and is suitable for the analysis of three-dimensional structures typical of aerospace applications. The major advantages of the proposed formulation are its complete independence of the cohesive zone length – which is a geometry-dependent parameter – and its relative insensitivity to mesh refinement. This is only possible via the introduction of three nonlocal algorithms, which provide (i) automated three-dimensional tracking of delamination fronts, (ii) an estimation of direction of crack propagation and (iii) accurate and mesh-insensitive integration of strain energy release rate. All calculations are updated at every increment of an explicit time-integration finite element solution, which models the envelopes of forces and displacements with an assumption of underlying constant cyclic loading. The method was implemented as a user-defined subroutine in the commercial finite element software LS-Dyna and supports the analysis of complex three-dimensional models. Results are presented for benchmark cases such as specimens with central cut plies and centrally-loaded circular plates. Accurate predictions of delamination growth rates are observed for different mesh topologies in agreement with the Paris-laws of the material.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Engineering Research Institutes & Centres > Centre for Advanced Manufacturing Systems At Cardiff (CAMSAC)
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) T Technology > TH Building construction
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Cohesive; Element; Fatigue; Delamination; Fiber; Composite
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	0020-7683
Funders:	Rolls-Royce plc
Last Modified:	19 Oct 2022 10:41
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/25228

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