Influence of a Delamination Defect Location on the Operating Life of a Multi-Layered Composite Sample

Abstract

In the framework of this research, the authors proposed an algorithm for predicting the residual life of structures made of polymer composite materials (PCM) using the structural-phenomenological model. To assess the residual life of PCM structures under cyclic loading, it was proposed to use the approach of explicit description of the adhesive layers destruction process. In accordance with the developed algorithm, in the process of cyclic loading in the adhesive layers, the level of damage was recorded; upon reaching a critical damage level, the adhesive layers destruction was simulated. The algorithm was tested on sample structures with a defect in the form of delamination and without defects. A numerical study of the delamination defect location influence at the onset of fatigue failure of model structures was carried out.