A pseudo-transient solution strategy for the analysis of delamination by means of interface elements

R T Tenchev, B G Falzon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Recent efforts in the finite element modelling of delamination have concentrated on the development of cohesive interface elements. These are characterised by a bilinear constitutive law, where there is an initial high positive stiffness until a threshold stress level is reached, followed by a negative tangent stiffness representing softening (or damage evolution). Complete decohesion occurs when the amount of work done per unit area of crack surface is equal to a critical strain energy release rate. It is difficult to achieve a stable, oscillation-free solution beyond the onset of damage, using standard implicit quasi-static methods, unless a very refined mesh is used. In the present paper, a new solution strategy is proposed based on a pseudo-transient formulation and demonstrated through the modelling of a double cantilever beam undergoing Mode I delamination. A detailed analysis into the sensitivity of the user-defined parameters is also presented. Comparisons with other published solutions using a quasi-static formulation show that the pseudo-transient formulation gives improved accuracy and oscillation-free results with coarser meshes

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)698-708
Number of pages11
JournalFinite Elements in Analysis and Design
Volume42
Issue number8-9
Early online date10 Jan 2006
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2006

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Science Applications
  • Computational Mechanics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A pseudo-transient solution strategy for the analysis of delamination by means of interface elements'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this