A summary of benchmark examples to assess the performance of quasi-static delamination propagation prediction capabilities in finite element codes

Abstract

The development and application of benchmark examples for the assessment of quasi-static delamination propagation capabilities is demonstrated. The methodology proposed, based on fracture mechanics, is used to develop benchmarks for the double cantilever beam, end-notched flexure, single leg bending as well as mixed-mode bending specimens for 20%, 50% and 80% mode II. The methodology proposed for the development of quasi-static benchmark results is discussed in detail, and will be presented using the double cantilever beam specimen as an example. The practical application of the benchmarks generated is illustrated by using the double cantilever beam and mixed-mode bending (50% mode II) benchmarks to assess the automated procedure implemented in Abaqus/Standard®. This assessment proved to be valuable by highlighting the issues (e.g. overshooting, saw-tooth behavior, non-convergence) associated with choosing the input parameters unique to the Virtual Crack Closure Technique implementation in Abaqus/Standard®. Additional studies should include the assessment of the propagation capabilities in more complex specimens and on a structural level.

Peridynamic modeling of delamination growth in composite laminates

“…This path is similar to that of the FE benchmark prediction (solid blue line) [40]. Peridynamic predictions of the critical load are slightly higher than the results presented in the literature, however, capture the same behavior and characteristics.…”

“…The exponent  is determined empirically based on the mean values of different mixed-mode ratios. In this study, these material parameters are extracted from references [40,44] …”

“…The empirical relationship proposed by Benzeggagh and Kenane [38] was adopted to account for increase in critical energy release with mode-mixity. The predictions concerning delamination growth in a double cantilever beam (DCB, Mode I) [39][40][41] and transverse crack tension (TCT, Mode II) [42][43][44] specimens are compared with the numerical and experimental results available in the literature [40][41][42][43][44].…”

Post-buckling behaviour and delamination growth characteristics of delaminated composite plates

“…The two layers are bonded with each other in the undelaminated region and disbonded in the region of the delamination. The virtual crack closure technique [18,19], as implemented in Abaqus [31], was employed where growth is allowed to propagate in the plane of the delamination. The mesh is refined around the delamination tip with an element size of 0.5 mm × 0.5 mm.…”

“…respectively. A quasi-brittle fracture behaviour [6,18,19] is considered, thus growth into the length direction occurs, whenever…”