Theoretical and numerical investigation of the mode I delamination of
composite laminate with uneven thickness
Abstract
In this paper, a theoretical analysis model and two simulation methods
are applied to characterize the quasi-static and fatigue delamination of
composite laminate with uneven thicknesses. The test data of partially
reinforced double-cantilever beam (DCB) were used as benchmark to verify
the analysis model and simulation, and cohesive zone models (CZMs) and
virtual crack closure technique (VCCT) are used in simulation. It’s
shown that the partially reinforced DCB has a unique double-peak
load-displacement relationship, and produces instability development
during the delamination. By comparing the results of simulation and
experiment, it is found that the simulation based on the exponential CZM
can simulate the delamination process of partially reinforced DCB under
both quasi-static and fatigue loading; while VCCT method will generate a
straight delamination front edge in the area of reinforcement, and lost
the micro-damage of the previous loading step between load steps, and
result in an incorrect delamination behavior.