3D FE analysis of tensile behavior for co-PP/SGF composite by considering interfacial debonding using CZM

A numerical study was performed to investigate the tensile properties of unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites containing co-polypropylene and short glass fiber (SGF) using a three-dimensional representative volume element (RVE) and finite element method (FEM). The initiation and propagation of interfacial crack were simulated based on a bilinear cohesive zone method (CZM). The FE simulation indicated that the transverse tensile strength of composite reinforced by SGF was strongly affected by the interface strength, critical fracture energy owing to interfacial debonding as well as loading direction. By increasing of SGF aspect ratio, the anisotropy of tensile strength was slightly affected; however, the anisotropy of modulus was noticeably elevated. The results of FE analysis indicated the proposed CZM can be used to simulate the crack-induced softening mechanism of reinforced thermoplastic polymers.