Multiscale finite element analysis of mode I delamination growth in a fabric composite. (1st December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yamanaka, Tadayoshi; Ghiasi, Hossein; Heidari-Rarani, Mohammad; Lessard, Larry; Feret, Victor; Hubert, Pascal
• Is Part Of: Composite structures. Volume 133(2016)
• Page Start: 157
• Page End: 165
• Publication Date: 2015-12-01
• Subjects: Delamination -- Multiscale modeling -- Finite element analysis (FEA) -- Fabrics/textiles; Composite construction -- Periodicals; Composites -- Périodiques; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2015.07.094
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-8223

Abstract

Abstract: Mode I delamination of a five harness satin weave carbon fibre composite and the corresponding toughening mechanisms are studied using a multiscale finite element model of delamination growth in a double cantilever beam (DCB) specimen. The toughening mechanisms related to the fabric structure are studied by embedding a meso-scale model of the fibre architecture in the delamination zone into a macro-scale model of a DCB specimen. The R-curves and the load–displacement curves obtained from this analysis agree with the lower bound of the experimental results. The analysis identified two major toughening mechanisms: the inter-yarn locking ahead of the delamination front causing stress relaxation and the formation of sub-surfaces. Contribution of each toughening mechanism towards total delamination toughness is quantitatively evaluated, identifying the inter-yarn locking as the main source of toughening in mode I delamination of fabric composites. Video abstract: Multimedia 1 shows the different stages of the mode I delamination growth in a 5HS composite DCB specimen and its corresponding load–displacement curve.