Delamination Propagation and Crack Growth Analysis of Composite Beams Using a Layer Wised Virtual Crack Closure Technique

A delamination propagation analysis of a composite beam specimen was performed in this research. To estimate the displacement field of laminates the Layer wise theory was used and the Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT) was developed to predict and calculate crack growth and delamination based on it. Interface elements were defined as numerical layers that existed between any two adjacent layers that there is a possibility of delamination. Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) specimens were used to determine the Strain Energy Release Rate in Mode I of the examined material. The numerical technique of predicting delamination in composite laminates was handled using MATLAB code. The Load-Displacement behavior in delamination propagation was reported. In this study it was shown that the current developed method is in good agreement with the finite element approach and Analytical solution. Finally, the influence of different factors on the Reaction Force and Strain Energy Release Rate during the delamination process and crack growth in the composite beam were studied in mode I.