Mixed modes crack propagation of orthogonal woven-layer in carbon/aramid/epoxy laminates

Abstract

This work presents a combined formulation for the fracture model of carbon/aramid fiber reinforced plastic woven laminates (CARPWLs). The structural crack is implemented based on Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) and Cohesive Zone Model (CZM) with a mixed-mode loading. This work considers four types of fracture mechanics CARPWLs testing samples, each composed of five woven layers with different stacking sequences. The loading device for mixed modes is achieved through a fixture with a secondary level rotating wheel configured with samples via bolting. Additionally, a new velocity control servo script for driving force is proposed to obtain R-curves during the fracture process of Type I, II and III. The energy release rate G for I/II/III mixed modes are also studied by experimental and numerical methods on account of fracture mechanics. The numerical verification performs highly accuracy to experiments, and it provides an efficiency approach for evaluating failure response of laminates.