Prediction of mode I fracture behavior of delaminated 0//90 interface in cross-ply laminated composites from the SERR of classical unidirectional DCB specimen

This study has developed a new approach to predicting the load-displacement curve of the 0//90 interface in the finite element analysis software ABAQUS. To this end, the load-displacement curve of the [05/90/06] stacking sequence is predicted by including hardening mechanisms such as zigzag crack growth, fiber bridging, and adhesion between fibers and resin in the FEM analysis. In this study, beam elements have been used to simulate the fiber bridging, and a UMAT subroutine has been used to simulate fiber breakage. Also, the spring elements have been used as a replacement for the adhesion between the fibers and the matrix. As the fibers are pulled out of the matrix during loading, energy is dissipated, so a UEL subroutine has also been used to implement this damage model. The results showed that this new approach could predict the load-displacement diagram of the DCB sample with the 0//90 interface with acceptable accuracy.