A summary of benchmark examples to assess the performance of quasi-static delamination propagation prediction capabilities in finite element codes

Abstract

The development and application of benchmark examples for the assessment of quasi-static delamination propagation capabilities is demonstrated. The methodology proposed, based on fracture mechanics, is used to develop benchmarks for the double cantilever beam, end-notched flexure, single leg bending as well as mixed-mode bending specimens for 20%, 50% and 80% mode II. The methodology proposed for the development of quasi-static benchmark results is discussed in detail, and will be presented using the double cantilever beam specimen as an example. The practical application of the benchmarks generated is illustrated by using the double cantilever beam and mixed-mode bending (50% mode II) benchmarks to assess the automated procedure implemented in Abaqus/Standard®. This assessment proved to be valuable by highlighting the issues (e.g. overshooting, saw-tooth behavior, non-convergence) associated with choosing the input parameters unique to the Virtual Crack Closure Technique implementation in Abaqus/Standard®. Additional studies should include the assessment of the propagation capabilities in more complex specimens and on a structural level.

Keywords

Delamination virtual crack closure technique benchmarking finite element analysis fracture mechanics analysis verification

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Rybicki

Kanninen

. A finite element calculation of stress intensity factors by a modified crack closure integral. Eng Fract Mech 1977; 9: 931–938.

Krueger

. Virtual crack closure technique: history, approach and applications. Appl Mech Rev 2004; 57: 109–143.

Krueger R. An approach to assess delamination propagation simulation capabilities in commercial finite element codes. NASA/TM-2008-215123, Hampton, Virginia, USA: NASA Langley Research Center, 2008.

Krueger R. Development and application of benchmark examples for mode II static delamination propagation and fatigue growth predictions. NASA/CR-2011-217305, NIA report no. 2011-02, Hampton, Virginia, USA: NASA Langley Research Center, 2011.

Krueger R. Development and application of benchmark examples for mixed-mode I/II quasi-static delamination propagation predictions. NASA/CR-2012-217562, NIA report no. 2012-01, Hampton, Virginia, USA: NASA Langley Research Center, 2012.

Orifici AC and Krueger R. Assessment of static delamination propagation capabilities in commercial finite element codes using benchmark analysis. NASA/CR-2010-216709, NIA report no. 2010-03, Hampton, Virginia, USA: NASA Langley Research Center, 2010.

Krueger R. Application of benchmark examples to assess the single and mixed-mode static delamination propagation capabilities in ANSYS. NASA/CR-2012-217588, NIA report no. 2012-04, Hampton, Virginia, USA: NASA Langley Research Center, 2012.

Thacker B. The role of nondeterminism in verfication and validation of computational solid mechanics models. SAE-Paper 2003-01-1353, 2003.

SimuliaDSS. Abaqus analysis user’s manual, Abaqus/Standard®, Version 6.10, 2010.

10.

Krueger R and O'Brien TK. A shell/3D modeling technique for the analysis of delaminated composite laminates. NASA/TM-2000-210287, ARL-TR-2207, Hampton, Virginia, USA: NASA Langley Research Center, 2000.

11.

Benzeggagh

Kenane

. Measurement of mixed-mode delamination fracture toughness of unidirectional glass/epoxy composites with mixed-mode bending apparatus. Compos Sci Technol 1996; 56: 439–449.

12.

Broek D. The practical use of fracture mechanics. Dordrecht, NL: Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1991.