Unveiling the effects of non-local extrinsic mechanisms during delamination in fiber-reinforced composites

Abstract

Existing interface models are often inaccurate when modeling delamination of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) structures, because they do not account for the non-local effects resulting from extrinsic failure mechanisms. Indeed, local traction separation laws are valid only for simple processes with well-defined delamination fronts. In contrast, non-local bridging events, such as fiber or ligament bridging, can significantly modify the dissipation and depend on the global kinematics of the crack front. We have conceived an approach for modeling delamination of FRP, which enriches the cohesive zone model with a delamination tracking technique, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of the diverse non-local features of interlaminar fracture. In our methodology, the evolving delamination front is identified, followed by the quantification of the effects from multiple mechanisms related to the non-local extrinsic dissipation. By simulating two experimental scenarios featuring with evolving configuration of delamination front, we highlight the robustness of this approach for predicting delamination features in the context of extrinsic energy dissipation. Our approach can be viewed as a versatile toolbox allowing to incorporate the influence of various non-local extrinsic mechanisms.