Progressive Deformation Analysis in Carbon and Glass Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Composites Using Finite Element Method

Abstract

Progressive deformation analysis is a method used to predict the behaviour of composite materials under loading with pre-existing matrix cracks or fiber breakage. It involves the estimation of the gradual deformation of the material, taking into account the material properties, the applied loads, and the associated defect. This paper investigates the fracture behaviour of a carbon-glass fiber-reinforced polymer composite with pre-existing delamination between the layers. Using the finite element technique, the location of delamination and the number of layers in the laminate are investigated to better understand composite material response under the progressive deformation loading. To comprehend the progressive deformation of examined composites under tensile loading, the finite element-based programme Ansys is used. The analytical findings are used to validate the finite element models. For the studied composites with pre-existing cracks, the deformations, forces, equivalent stress, stress intensity factor, and strain energy release rate are given. In this work, the sensitivity of the delamination position on the laminate under progressive deformation loading is found. The current work is used for the effective design of the composite laminate with pre-existing delamination under service loading conditions.