Non-linear fracture analysis of multilayered two-dimensional graded beams

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present an analytical study of the delamination fracture behaviour of a multilayered two-dimensional functionally graded cantilever beam configuration. A delamination crack is located arbitrary along the height of the beam cross-section. The layers have different thicknesses and material properties. Perfect adhesion is assumed between layers. The material is functionally graded in both thickness and width directions in each layer. Besides, the material of the beam exhibits non-linear-elastic behaviour. Design/methodology/approach - The delamination fracture behaviour is analysed in terms of the strain energy release rate. The J-integral approach is applied in order to verify the analysis of the strain energy release rate developed in the present paper. Findings -The influence of material properties, the crack location along the height of the beam cross-section and the non-linear behaviour of the material on the delamination fracture is examined. Originality/value - A non-linear delamination fracture analysis of multilayered two-dimensional non-symmetric functionally graded beam configuration is developed.