Stochastic Model for Variable Amplitude Fatigue Induced Delamination Growth in Graphite/Epoxy Laminates

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Stochastic Model for Variable Amplitude Fatigue Induced Delamination Growth in Graphite/Epoxy Laminates

Journal Title: American Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences - Year 2016, Vol 9, Issue 3

Abstract

Abstract A stochastic model is used to predict the growth of delamination in graphite/epoxy laminates subjected to variable amplitude cyclic loading. The advantage of this model is that both the mean and variance associated with the growth of delamination are predicted. Understanding and predicting the variability associated with the delamination growth process is essential to the estimation of the reliability of composite structures. The empirical nature of the model has been minimized through the introduction of fracture mechanics parameters into the stochastic model. This has been accomplished by assuming that the mean of the stochastic model is represented by a fracture mechanics power law based on strain energy release rate. The applicability of the model is demonstrated through an experimental data generated on three laminate geometries. The results of the experimental evaluation illustrate the ability of the model to predict both the mean and variance of the delamination growth process in composite laminates subjected to cyclic loading. Copyright © 2016 Ronald B. Bucinell. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Authors and Affiliations

Ronald B. Bucinell

Keywords

EP ID EP203067
DOI 10.3844/ajeassp.2016.635.646
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