Damage propagation analysis of CFRP laminate by quasi-3D XFEM using hexahedral elements

Abstract

A quasi-three-dimensional extend finite element method (XFEM) is applied to damage propagation analyses of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) laminate. An eight-node quadrilateral interface element and an eight-node hexahedral continuum element enriched with only the Heaviside function are used to model delamination and matrix cracks, respectively. Zig-zag enhanced cohesive zone model or the zig-zag cohesive zone model is introduced to a delamination and a matrix crack. The implicit static method is then used to solve system equations considering material nonlinearity. The Weibull damage criterion is used to predict fiber breakage when necessary. The results of damage propagation analyses were compared with experimental results obtained using open-hole tension tests, quasi-static indentation tests, and compression-after-impact tests. It was shown that the quasi-three-dimensional XFEM is an effective method for damage propagation analysis of CFRP laminates.