TY - JOUR
T1 - Analysis of Stochastic Matrix Crack Evolution in CFRP Cross-Ply Laminates under Fatigue Loading
AU - Li, Xi
AU - Benedictus, Rinze
AU - Zarouchas, Dimitrios
PY - 2023
Y1 - 2023
N2 - The present work aims at understanding the stochastic matrix crack evolution in CFRP cross-ply laminates under tension–tension fatigue loading. An experimental campaign was carried out on twenty-three specimens at different stress levels, while two optical techniques were used for the in-situ monitoring of the accumulation of transverse matrix cracks. The results showed a significant scatter in crack evolution among specimens. This stochastic behaviour was further investigated using image analysis and numerical modelling. It was found that transverse matrix cracks can be classified into the independent and dependent cracks based on a critical crack spacing. Furthermore, the severity of interaction among cracks was quantified by introducing a dependent crack ratio. Finally, a strength-based probabilistic model was proposed to describe the scattering regime of the crack evolution. The agreement between model and test results indicates that local strength variations of 90 plies are the dominant scattering source governing the initial fatigue resistance to cracking and determining the accumulation of transverse matrix cracks among specimens. These results may provide a new insight into the stochastic nature of matrix cracking in composite laminates and aid in the design of fatigue resistance properties.
AB - The present work aims at understanding the stochastic matrix crack evolution in CFRP cross-ply laminates under tension–tension fatigue loading. An experimental campaign was carried out on twenty-three specimens at different stress levels, while two optical techniques were used for the in-situ monitoring of the accumulation of transverse matrix cracks. The results showed a significant scatter in crack evolution among specimens. This stochastic behaviour was further investigated using image analysis and numerical modelling. It was found that transverse matrix cracks can be classified into the independent and dependent cracks based on a critical crack spacing. Furthermore, the severity of interaction among cracks was quantified by introducing a dependent crack ratio. Finally, a strength-based probabilistic model was proposed to describe the scattering regime of the crack evolution. The agreement between model and test results indicates that local strength variations of 90 plies are the dominant scattering source governing the initial fatigue resistance to cracking and determining the accumulation of transverse matrix cracks among specimens. These results may provide a new insight into the stochastic nature of matrix cracking in composite laminates and aid in the design of fatigue resistance properties.
KW - Composite laminates
KW - Fatigue
KW - In-situ damage monitoring
KW - Phenomenological model
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85159225908&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.engfailanal.2023.107277
DO - 10.1016/j.engfailanal.2023.107277
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85159225908
SN - 1350-6307
VL - 150
JO - Engineering Failure Analysis
JF - Engineering Failure Analysis
M1 - 107277
ER -