Parametric Numerical Study of Crack Restriction Effect in Thin-Ply CFRP Laminate

Abstract

We built meso-scopic numerical simulation models in order to evaluate the effect of ply-thickness on the propagation behavior of transverse crack. The randomness of fiber distribution, elasto-plasticity of matrix, and interfacial strength between fiber and matrix were considered in the model. In the numerical simulation, the transverse crack drastically propagated less than 1.0% strain in the 160 μm- and 80 μm-thick ply laminates. On the other hand, intraply transverse crack penetration was not caused up to 1.5% strain, and crack gradually propagated in the 40 μm-thick layer. Therefore, it was theoretically found that crack propagation was restricted in 40 μm-thick layer. This crack restriction effect is presumably caused by some structural factor, especially the existence of neighboring 0o layers. In addition, matrix property and interfacial property between fiber and matrix are candidates for the factor of crack restriction effect in thin ply laminates. In order to clarify what the most effective factor on crack propagation behavior, we introduce the parametric study varying (i) matrix property, (ii) interface property between fiber and matrix, and (iii) ply thickness.