scholarly journals Virtual Crack Closure Technique and Finite Element Method for Predicting the Delamination Growth Initiation in Composite Structures

Author(s):  
Pietropaoli Elisa
2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Ming Zhou ◽  
Guang Wei Meng ◽  
Feng Li ◽  
Hui Wang

In order to improve the accuracy and efficiency of solving fracture parameters of piezoelectric materials, a piezoelectric element, tailored for the virtual crack closure technique (VCCT), was used to study piezoelectric materials containing a crack. Recently, the cell-based smoothed finite element method (CSFEM) and VCCT have been used to simulate the fracture mechanics of piezoelectric materials. A center cracked piezoelectric materials with different material properties, crack length, mesh, and smoothing subcells at various strain energy release rates are discussed and compared with finite element method-virtual crack closure technique (FEM-VCCT). Numerical examples show that CSFEM-VCCT gives an improved simulation compared to FEM-VCCT, which generally simulates materials as too stiff with lower accuracy and efficiency. Due to its simplicity, the VCCT piezoelectric element demonstrated in this study could be a potential tool for engineers to practice piezoelectric fracture analysis. CSFEM-VCCT is an efficient numerical method for fracture analysis of piezoelectric materials.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Ming Zhou ◽  
Guang Wei Meng ◽  
Xiao Lin Li ◽  
Feng Li

Based on the finite element software ABAQUS and graded element method, we developed a dummy node fracture element, wrote the user subroutines UMAT and UEL, and solved the energy release rate component of functionally graded material (FGM) plates with cracks. An interface element tailored for the virtual crack closure technique (VCCT) was applied. Fixed cracks and moving cracks under dynamic loads were simulated. The results were compared to other VCCT-based analyses. With the implementation of a crack speed function within the element, it can be easily expanded to the cases of varying crack velocities, without convergence difficulty for all cases. Neither singular element nor collapsed element was required. Therefore, due to its simplicity, the VCCT interface element is a potential tool for engineers to conduct dynamic fracture analysis in conjunction with commercial finite element analysis codes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 841 ◽  
pp. 327-334
Author(s):  
Dhiwakar S. Ram ◽  
P.N. Bharath Kumar ◽  
R. Sandeep Kumar ◽  
B. Vijaya Ramnath

Natural Fibre composites are being widely used as a replacement to non-bio-degradable polymer composites. The unavailability of proper processes to treat the natural fibres and the errors in fabrication result in less accurate mechanical properties. The accuracy that is obtained by machine-based processes is not possible in Hand layup method, which is employed in fabrication of natural fibre composites. Finite Element method packages which are specially intended in modelling composite structures give more accurate result of properties than experimental setup, by avoiding fabrication errors. This paper evaluates Impact energy and then the tensile strength, flexural strength of a sugarcane fibre GFRP reinforced polymer matrix both by conventional Hand Layup method and also by Finite Element method.


2019 ◽  
Vol 91 (6) ◽  
pp. 814-819
Author(s):  
Zdobyslaw Jan Goraj ◽  
Mariusz Kowalski ◽  
Bartlomiej Goliszek

Purpose This paper aims to present the results of calculations that checked how the longerons and frames arrangement affects the stiffness of a conventional structure. The paper focuses only on first stage of research – analysis of small displacement. Main goal was to compare different structures under static loads. These results are also compared with the results obtained for a geodetic structure fuselage model of the same dimensions subjected to the same internal and external loads. Design/methodology/approach The finite element method analysis was carried out for a section of the fuselage with a diameter of 6.3 m and a length equal to 10 m. A conventional and lattice structure – known as geodetic – was used. Findings Finite element analyses of the fuselage model with conventional and geodetic structures showed that with comparable stiffness, the weight of the geodetic fuselage is almost 20 per cent lower than that of the conventional one. Research limitations/implications This analysis is limited to small displacements, as the linear version of finite element method was used. Research and articles planned for the future will focus on nonlinear finite element method (FEM) analysis such as buckling, structure stability and limit cycles. Practical implications The increasing maturity of composite structures manufacturing technology offers great opportunities for aircraft designers. The use of carbon fibers with advanced resin systems and application of the geodetic fuselage concept gives the opportunity to obtain advanced structures with excellent mechanical properties and low weight. Originality/value This paper presents very efficient method of assessing and comparison of the stiffness and weight of geodetic and conventional fuselage structure. Geodetic fuselage design in combination with advanced composite materials yields an additional fuselage weight reduction of approximately 10 per cent. The additional weight reduction is achieved by reducing the number of rivets needed for joining the elements. A fuselage with a geodetic structure compared to the classic fuselage with the same outer diameter has a larger inner diameter, which gives a larger usable space in the cabin. The approach applied in this paper consisting in analyzing of main parameters of geodetic structure (hoop ribs, helical ribs and angle between the helical ribs) on fuselage stiffness and weight is original.


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