Numerical Modeling of the Interlaminar Fracture of Glass Fiber Epoxy Composites

The objective of present work was the development of numerical models able to predict delamination in glass/epoxy laminated composites under mode I and mixed loading mode. The numerical model, developed with Marc-Mentat 2011 software, was composed of linear isoparametric elements and interface elements placed ahead of initial crack tip. Experimental work was developed to obtain the critical release energy (G(c)) and the elastic properties of the laminates. The total fracture toughness increases with the mode II loading component and that linear mixed-mode fracture criteria reproduces the G(I) versus G(II) relationship. Force versus displacement experimental curves were obtained and compared with the numerical model prediction. A good agreement between both curves was obtained.