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Modeling Delamination in Postbuckled Composite Structures Under Static and Fatigue LoadsThe ability of the Abaqus progressive Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT) to model delamination in composite structures was investigated for static, postbuckling, and fatigue loads. Preliminary evaluations were performed using simple Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) and Mixed-Mode Bending (MMB) specimens. The nodal release sequences that describe the propagation of the delamination front were investigated. The effect of using a sudden or a gradual nodal release was evaluated by considering meshes aligned with the crack front as well as misaligned meshes. Fatigue simulations were then performed using the Direct Cyclic Fatigue (DCF) algorithm. It was found that in specimens such as the DCB, which are characterized by a nearly linear response and a pure fracture mode, the algorithm correctly predicts the Paris Law rate of propagation. However, the Abaqus DCF algorithm does not consider different fatigue propagation laws in different fracture modes. Finally, skin/stiffener debonding was studied in an aircraft fuselage subcomponent in which debonding occurs deep into post-buckling deformation. VCCT was shown to be a robust tool for estimating the onset propagation. However, difficulties were found with the ability of the current implementation of the Abaqus progressive VCCT to predict delamination propagation within structures subjected to postbuckling deformations or fatigue loads.
Document ID
20130013696
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Bisagni, Chiara
(Politecnico di Milano Milan, Italy)
Brambilla, Pietro
(Politecnico di Milano Milan, Italy)
Bavila, Carlos G.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 27, 2013
Publication Date
May 6, 2013
Subject Category
Structural Mechanics
Report/Patent Number
NF1676L-15330
Meeting Information
Meeting: SAMPE
Location: Long Beach, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: May 6, 2013
End Date: May 9, 2013
Sponsors: Society for Advancement of Materials and Process Engineering
Funding Number(s)
WBS: WBS 284848.02.04.07.01
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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