Abstract
This article presents an approach for modelling fracture and delamination, based on the partition of finite elements and on the energy release rate due to crack propagation in cross-ply laminates. The energy release rate is implemented within an Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) framework. This approach is enabling the prediction of delamination propagation without pre-allocating damage zones. No element deletion techniques were used either. Mesh refinement was not needed for the propagation of cracks. Virtual testing of transverse cracks – eventually triggering delamination in cross-ply laminates – is presented to show the technique efficiency. Thus, a maximum energy release rate of 0.9kJ/m2 is found for a transverse crack within [00,900]s laminate. When maximum energy release rate is reached, delamination in the {00/900} interface is triggered. Furthermore, delamination in a composite double cantilever beam is simulated and presented in some detail. The results were compared with experimental outputs and/or by other numerical means showing an excellent correlation.
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