Mode III numerical analysis of composite laminates with elastic couplings in split cantilever beam configuration

This paper presents numerical analysis of the mode III strain energy release rate (SERR, GIII) distributions along delamination front in carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and hybrid fiber reinforced plastic (HFRP) laminates exhibiting elastic couplings. The beam models were analyzed by using the split cantilever beam (SCB) tests configuration. Influence of elastic coupling phenomenon on mode III SERR distributions was investigated numerically in Abaqus/CAE software environment by using the virtual crack closure technique (VCCT). In addition, two different boundary conditions (BCs) were considered. Results revealed, that critical strain energy release rates distributions obtained for bending-twisting (BT) and bending-extension (BE) elastically coupled laminates were found to be strongly irregular and skewed which is not desirable in the point of view of experimental determination of mode III fracture toughness. On the other hand, application of different materials compositions in the form of HFRP laminates slightly decreased negative effect of elastic couplings on mode III SERR widthwise distributions but this field have to be more developed and explored.