Numerical analysis of splice-type crack arrester with a filler under mode-I type loading

A new type of crack arrester with a configuration suitable for an airframe structure was numerically evaluated for use in the splice of a foam core sandwich panel to suppress interfacial crack growth and to enhance the structural integrity of the foam core sandwich panel. A tapered butt joint configuration was selected for the core-core splice. Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) prepreg was installed as the crack arrester between the cores and the tapered core edge, where the foam core material was removed and replaced with CFRP prepreg. This type of arrester is named a splice-type crack arrester with a filler. The decrease in the energy release rate at the crack tip owing to this type of arrester was analytically confirmed by finite element (FE) analysis and crack closure integrals. A quantitative estimation of the crack suppression effect revealed that a tapered core edge with higher stiffness had a strong effect on crack suppression.