Delamination Modeling of Double Cantilever Beam of Unidirectional Composite Laminates

Delamination crack growth in a double cantilever beam laminated composites is modeled by using simple stress analysis beam theory combined with simple linear elastic fracture mechanics and consideration of the theory of elastic failure in mechanics of material. Furthermore, advanced finite element (FE) model is built up. The FE approach employs surface cohesive zone model that is used to simulate the debonding and crack propagation. The analytical modeling, moreover, cracks growth and strain measurements, which are obtained from FE models, are compared with the available published experimental work. The predicted results give good agreement with interlaminar fracture toughness and maximum load which correspond to crack initiation point. The FE models results agree well with the available experimental data for both crack initiation and propagation. © 2017, ASM International.