An energy-based FEM technique for analysing delamination development in fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP)

This paper presents a technique that uses finite element method (FEM) to analyse energy release rate (G) for delamination growth in fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP). Using end-notched-flexure specimen as an example, G values obtained from the technique show excellent agreement with those from compliance derivative or virtual crack closure techniques that have been widely accepted for this purpose. The new technique has the advantage on its simplicity for the G calculation and provides potentials for the prediction of a complex delamination growth pattern that often exists in large FRP structures when subjected to complex loading.