A field-enriched finite element method for crack propagation in fiber-reinforced composite lamina without remeshing

A field-enriched finite element method for crack propagation in fiber-reinforced composite lamina without remeshing is proposed. In the field-enriched finite element method, the propagation and evolution of cracks are controlled by fracture criteria, and the physical location of cracks and the influence on the whole model are realized by the field variables enriched at the nodes. Then, field-enriched finite element method is used to investigate the influence of fiber orientation on the constant stiffness and variable stiffness composite lamina under different loading conditions and configurations. The numerical results obtained by the field-enriched finite element method are in good agreement with those obtained by experimental observation and other numerical methods. Moreover, the crack propagation path is roughly along the fiber orientation direction, which means that for the fiber reinforced composite lamina, the crack propagation path is mainly dominated by the fiber orientation rather than the configuration and loading conditions of the specimen. Compared with the phase field method, the calculation efficiency of the proposed method is higher. Compared with the extended finite element method, the proposed method is easier to characterize cracks. Therefore, the fieldenriched finite element method is a very promising method for simulating the fracture behavior of fiberreinforced composite lamina.

Automated summary

The field-enriched finite element method proposed in this study effectively simulates crack propagation in fiber-reinforced composite laminates. The orientation of fibers significantly influences the mechanical behavior of composite laminates.