A coupled XFEM fatigue modelling of crack growth, delamination and bridging in FRP strengthened metallic plates

This paper proposes an extended finite element method (XFEM) modelling approach coupled with cyclic damage mechanics criteria to simulate the fatigue crack growth (FCG), progressive delamination, and bridging in metal-fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. The FCG in the metal is described using linear elastic fracture mechanics. The cycle-by-cycle degradation of the adhesive layer, progressive damage in the FRP layers, and metal-FRP interface delamination are modelled using the damage mechanics criteria. The proposed XFEM model successfully simulates the fatigue behaviour of FRP-strengthened metallic plates. The FCG rates, crack trajectories, fatigue lives, and failure modes satisfactorily agree with the corresponding experimental data.