Development of a Fatigue Analysis Tool Using Cohesive Zone Modelling for Composite Specimens

Master thesis (2019)

Authors

E.T.B. Smeets Aerospace Engineering

Contributors

C. Bisagni Aerospace Structures & Computational Mechanics - Aerospace Engineering (supervisor 1)
A. Raimondo Aerospace Structures & Computational Mechanics - Aerospace Engineering (supervisor 2)
Faculty
Aerospace Engineering
Copyright: © 2019 Eva Smeets
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Published Date

04-11-2019

Language

English

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Faculty

Aerospace Engineering

Abstract

The purpose of this research project is to implement cohesive zone modelling in the finite element analysis of composite structures subjected to fatigue loading. The focus of the research lies in the simulation of delamination growth when an initial delamination is present. Delamination is a common failure mode in composite structures. It can be the result of a number of different things such as impact damage, manufacturing defects, fatigue loading or out-of-plane loading, for example when the structure buckles. The characterisation of the delamination growth behaviour is important to ensure safe design. Simulations are a vital part to this characterisation to decrease the necessity of experimental tests, which are often time-consuming and expensive.