Abstract
With recent advances in computational resources and the development of arbitrary cracking methods, such as the Augmented Finite Element Method (A-FEM), more complex simulations can now be represented featuring multiple interacting cracks. It has been established that Mode I crack propagation in particle-toughened interlayers within some toughened Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) laminates involves a discontinuous process zone, rather than a distinct crack tip. This results from multiple cracks forming ahead of the main crack that subsequently coalesce, leaving behind bridging ligaments that may then provide traction across the crack flanks. An idealised two-dimensional A-FEM model is presented in this work, which represents the ‘particles’ as one-dimensional cohesive regions. The model shows that variables such as particle spacing, distribution, strength and toughness, and fibre interface strength can be tailored in order to maintain the crack path within the interlayer. This competition between crack paths is important, as a reduction in composite toughness is reported when the crack path migrates to the fibre interface. The simulations are complemented by time-resolved Synchrotron Radiation Computed Tomography (SRCT) data, which identify the chronology of the damage processes, along with the effects of particle distribution on the crack path and the formation of bridging ligaments.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 89-96 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Composites Science and Technology |
| Volume | 133 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Sep 14 2016 |
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Keywords
- Augmented Finite Element Method
- Crack
- Finite element analysis (FEA)
- Non-destructive testing
- Polymer matrix composites (PMCs)
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Engineering(all)
- Ceramics and Composites
Cite this
Crack path simulation in a particle-toughened interlayer within a polymer composite laminate. / Borstnar, G.; Mavrogordato, M. N.; Yang, Qingda; Sinclair, I.; Spearing, S. M.
In: Composites Science and Technology, Vol. 133, 14.09.2016, p. 89-96.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Crack path simulation in a particle-toughened interlayer within a polymer composite laminate
AU - Borstnar, G.
AU - Mavrogordato, M. N.
AU - Yang, Qingda
AU - Sinclair, I.
AU - Spearing, S. M.
PY - 2016/9/14
Y1 - 2016/9/14
N2 - With recent advances in computational resources and the development of arbitrary cracking methods, such as the Augmented Finite Element Method (A-FEM), more complex simulations can now be represented featuring multiple interacting cracks. It has been established that Mode I crack propagation in particle-toughened interlayers within some toughened Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) laminates involves a discontinuous process zone, rather than a distinct crack tip. This results from multiple cracks forming ahead of the main crack that subsequently coalesce, leaving behind bridging ligaments that may then provide traction across the crack flanks. An idealised two-dimensional A-FEM model is presented in this work, which represents the ‘particles’ as one-dimensional cohesive regions. The model shows that variables such as particle spacing, distribution, strength and toughness, and fibre interface strength can be tailored in order to maintain the crack path within the interlayer. This competition between crack paths is important, as a reduction in composite toughness is reported when the crack path migrates to the fibre interface. The simulations are complemented by time-resolved Synchrotron Radiation Computed Tomography (SRCT) data, which identify the chronology of the damage processes, along with the effects of particle distribution on the crack path and the formation of bridging ligaments.
AB - With recent advances in computational resources and the development of arbitrary cracking methods, such as the Augmented Finite Element Method (A-FEM), more complex simulations can now be represented featuring multiple interacting cracks. It has been established that Mode I crack propagation in particle-toughened interlayers within some toughened Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) laminates involves a discontinuous process zone, rather than a distinct crack tip. This results from multiple cracks forming ahead of the main crack that subsequently coalesce, leaving behind bridging ligaments that may then provide traction across the crack flanks. An idealised two-dimensional A-FEM model is presented in this work, which represents the ‘particles’ as one-dimensional cohesive regions. The model shows that variables such as particle spacing, distribution, strength and toughness, and fibre interface strength can be tailored in order to maintain the crack path within the interlayer. This competition between crack paths is important, as a reduction in composite toughness is reported when the crack path migrates to the fibre interface. The simulations are complemented by time-resolved Synchrotron Radiation Computed Tomography (SRCT) data, which identify the chronology of the damage processes, along with the effects of particle distribution on the crack path and the formation of bridging ligaments.
KW - Augmented Finite Element Method
KW - Crack
KW - Finite element analysis (FEA)
KW - Non-destructive testing
KW - Polymer matrix composites (PMCs)
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UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84979737620&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.compscitech.2016.07.024
DO - 10.1016/j.compscitech.2016.07.024
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84979737620
VL - 133
SP - 89
EP - 96
JO - Composites Science and Technology
JF - Composites Science and Technology
SN - 0266-3538
ER -