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In this work, integrated experimental tests and computational modeling are proposed to investigate the failure mechanisms of open-hole cross-ply carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminated composites. In particular, we propose two effective methods, which include width-tapered double cantilever beam (WTDCB) and fixed-ratio mixed-mode end load split (FRMMELS) tests, to obtain the experimental data more reliably. We then calibrate the traction-separation laws of cohesive zone model (CZM) used among laminas of the composites by leveraging these two methods. The experimental results of fracture energy, i.e. G_Ic and G_Tc, obtained from WTDCB and FRMMELS tests are generally insensitive to the crack lengthmore » thus requiring no effort to accurately measure the crack tip. Moreover, FRMMELS sample contains a fixed mixed-mode ratio of G_IIc/G_Tc depending on the width taper ratio. Examining comparisons between experimental results of FRMMELS tests and failure surface of B–K failure criterion predicted from a curve fitting, good agreement between the predictions and experimental data has been found, indicating that FRMMELS tests are an effective method to determine mixed-mode fracture criterion. In addition, a coupled experimental-computational modeling of WTDCB, edge notched flexure, and FRMMELS tests are adopted to calibrate and validate the interfacial strengths. Finally, failure mechanisms of open-hole cross-ply CFRP laminates under flexural loading have been studied systematically using experimental and multi-scale computational analyses based on the developed CZM model. The initiation and propagation of delamination, the failure of laminated layers as well as load-displacement curves predicted from computational analyses are in good agreement with what we have observed experimentally.« less

The dynamic crushing characteristics of unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced plastic composites under two loading types, dynamic three-point bending and axial crushing, are investigated by experiment and finite element simulation. Hat section samples with two different layup orientations are tested at various impact velocities to investigate its effects. The experiment results show that delamination plays a critical role in dynamic bending deformation. Different layup orientations lead to similar crushing bending behaviors, but remarkable variations in delamination pattern evolutions. In contrast, layup orientation exerts more significant effects on failure modes and energy absorption in axial crushing. A finite element model with multiplemore » layers of thick shell element and cohesive element is established, and simulations are performed for both dynamic three-point bending and axial crushing. The model can capture the crushing behaviors in the two loading types reasonably well. The damage evolution and energy absorption through various mechanisms at different loading conditions are discussed.« less

In order to facilitate and accelerate the process of introducing, evaluating and adopting new material systems, it is important to develop/establish comprehensive and effective procedures of characterization, modeling and failure prediction of composite structures based on the properties of the constituent materials, e. g., fibers, matrix, and the single ply or lamina. A new yield/failure theory is proposed for predicting lamina yielding and failure under multi-axial states of stress including strain rate effects. It is based on the equivalent stress concept derived from energy principles and is expressed in terms of a single criterion. It is presented in the formmore » of master yield and failure envelopes incorporating strain rate effects. The theory can be further adapted and extended to the prediction of in situ first ply yielding and failure (FPY and FPF) and progressive damage of multi-directional laminates under static and dynamic loadings. The significance of this theory is that it allows for rapid screening of new composite materials without extensive testing and offers easily implemented design tools.« less

In this work, a woven carbon/epoxy composite was subjected to fatigue crack growth under mixed Mode-I/Mode-II loading to obtain crack growth behavior at different cyclic strain energies. Owing to the woven structure of the material, pure Mode-II fracture is usually a difficult proposition because of friction, interference, and interlock of woven tows in adjacent plies at an interlaminar crack. These limitations were overcome by the use of a novel form of mixed Mode-I/Mode-II specimen, which imposes sufficient crack surface opening (Mode-I) to alleviate ply-ply interactions, but not so much as to obscure the sliding (Mode-II) response. Finally, comparison with puremore » Mode-I fatigue crack growth data, in conjunction with a fracture interaction criterion, provided a means to extract the Mode-II behavior.« less