Fracture mechanics‐based progressive damage modelling of adhesively bonded fibre‐reinforced polymer joints

Abstract

A quasi‐static progressive damage model for prediction of the fracture behaviour and strength of adhesively bonded fibre‐reinforced polymer joints is introduced in this paper. The model is based on the development of a mixed‐mode failure criterion as a function of a master R‐curve derived from the experimental results obtained from standard fracture mechanics joints. Consequently, the developed failure criterion is crack‐length and mode‐mixity dependent, and it takes into account the contribution of the fibre‐bridging effect. Energy release rate values for adhesively bonded double‐lap joints are obtained by using the virtual crack closure technique method in a finite element model, and the numerically obtained strain energy release rate is compared to the critical strain energy release rate given by the mixed‐mode failure criterion. The entire procedure is implemented in a numerical algorithm, which was successfully used for predicting the strength and R‐curve response of adhesively bonded double‐lap structural joints made of pultruded glass fibre‐reinforced polymers and epoxy adhesives.

Recent advancements in the applications of fiber‐reinforced polymer structures in railway industry—A review

“…In the design step of multibody FRP composite structures, including bogies, special consideration should be paid to the attachments of the components. In general, the adhesively bonded and mechanically fastened joints are the critical regions in the design and analysis of the composite structures 37–44 . In this regard, Tserpes et al 37 conducted a review study, taking into account the opinions of experts on the simulation and theoretical analysis of the adhesively bonded joints.…”

“…In general, the adhesively bonded and mechanically fastened joints are the critical regions in the design and analysis of the composite structures. [37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44] In this regard, Tserpes et al 37 conducted a review study, taking into account the opinions of experts on the simulation and theoretical analysis of the adhesively bonded joints. Cameselle-Molares et al 38 presented progressive damage modeling of the adhesively bonded joints between FRPs.…”

A review on failure theories and simulation models for adhesive joints

“…These approaches mainly focus on the prediction of the static strength of bonded joints based on different concepts, such as stress/strain-based failure criteria, [148,184,185] continuum mechanics, [186,187] cohesive zone models, [188][189][190] and fracture mechanics . [191][192][193][194][195] Harris et al [184] used a nonlinear FE technique to predict the failure mode and failure load of SLJs. They used a failure criterion based on the uniaxial tensile properties.…”

“…al. [195] developed a quasi-static PDM to predict the fracture behavior and strength of bonded FRP joints based on four steps, see Figure 16. The model was based on a mixed bearing fracture criterion [196,197] as a function of a Master R curve resulting from experimental data from standard fracture mechanics connections.…”

Advanced Characterization of Adhesive Joints and Adhesives

“…Stress intensity factors (SIF) and strain energy release rates (SERR) constitute the two main approaches [ 13 ]. Cameselle-Molares et al [ 14 ] applied the virtual crack closure technique (VCCT) for strength evaluation of double-lap bonded joints in composite structures. Although the results were good and agreed with the experimental tests, the model is only valid for brittle adhesives, since the model does not include plastic deformations.…”