A numerical model for predicting crack path and modes of damage in unidirectional metal matrix composites

Journal Article · Mon Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1993 · Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1177/073168449301200307· OSTI ID:6184958

Bakuckas, J G; Tan, T M; Lau, A C.W.; Awerbuch, J ^[1]

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1. Drexel Univ., Philadelphia, PA (United States) NASA, Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA (United States)

A finite element-based numerical technique has been developed to simulate damage growth in unidirectional composites. This technique incorporates elastic-plastic analysis, micromechanics analysis, failure criteria, and a node splitting and node force relaxation algorithm to create crack surfaces. Any combination of fiber and matrix properties can be used. One of the salient features of this technique is that damage growth can be simulated without pre-specifying a crack path. In addition, multiple damage mechanisms in the forms of matrix cracking, fiber breakage, fiber-matrix debonding and plastic deformation are capable of occurring simultaneously. The prevailing failure mechanism and the damage (crack) growth direction are dictated by the instantaneous near-tip stress and strain fields. Once the failure mechanism and crack direction are determined, the crack is advanced via the node splitting and node force relaxation algorithm. Simulations of the damage growth process in center-slit boron/aluminum and silicon carbide/titanium unidirectional specimens were performed. The simulation results agreed quite well with the experimental observations. 9 refs.

• OSTI ID: 6184958
• Journal Information: Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites; (United States), Vol. 12:3; ISSN 0731-6844
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS//MATHEMATICS, COMPUTING, AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
CRACK PROPAGATION
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
ALUMINIUM ALLOYS
FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
MATRIX MATERIALS
MICROSTRUCTURE
ALLOYS
CALCULATION METHODS
MATERIALS
NUMERICAL SOLUTION
SIMULATION
360603* - Materials- Properties
990200 - Mathematics & Computers