Effect of Z-Pins on Fracture in Composite Cocured Double Cantilever Beams

Abstract

The paper illustrates a new approach to the evaluation of the effect of z-pins on deformations and the strain energy release rate in composite double cantilever beams (DCB) subject to a standard fracture toughness test. The effect of z-pins is modeled by an elastic foundation, based on previously published work. The approach to the solution is based on a separate analysis of the intact and delaminated parts of DCB. The rotational stiffness of the intact part is obtained from the Rayleigh-Ritz solution for this part subjected to a force couple, rather than modeling the rotational restraint by introducing an elastic foundation, as has been done in the previous studies. Subsequently, the deformation of the delaminated part of DCB is analyzed exactly by solving the equation of equilibrium with the appropriate boundary conditions. Based on this solution, the compliance, the rate of change of compliance, and the strain energy of the specimen can be evaluated. The results illustrate the beneficial effect of z-pins on the resistance of DCB to delamination cracking.

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Sponsor(s)

United States. Air Force. Office of Scientific Research

Keywords and Phrases

Beams; Cantilever; Fractures; Joints; Toughness

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0893-1321

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2005 American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2005

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