Damage evolution in cross-ply laminates under tension–compression and compression-compression cyclic loads. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carraro, P.A.; Maragoni, L.; Quaresimin, M.
• Is Part Of: Composites. Volume 156(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: B: Fatigue -- B: Transverse cracking -- C: Damage mechanics -- Compression; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Manufacturing processes -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Manufacturing processes; Periodicals; 620.11805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2022.106888
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-835X

Abstract

Abstract: Tension-Compression and Compression-Compression fatigue tests were carried out on glass/epoxy cross-ply laminates, with different values of the minimum to maximum load ratio R (−1, −3, −5, −7, −10 and 20). During the tests, the damage evolution in the 90° ply was monitored at the macro-and micro-scales. Three damage scenarios were observed, depending on the load ratio: i) initiation and propagation of transverse cracks for R ≥ −3, ii) initiation of multiple inclined short cracks for R = 20, iii) a mixed damage type with the presence of both transverse cracks and inclined short cracks for −10 ≤ R ≤ −5. Finite Element analyses of micro-scale Representative Volume Elements, combined with a recently developed crack initiation criterion, revealed the role of the Local Hydrostatic Stress in the matrix in controlling the different damage scenarios. Eventually, quantitative analyses showed a highly detrimental effect of the compressive part of the cycle on the transverse crack initiation and propagation.