Modeling delamination growth in composites under fatigue loadings of varying amplitudes

A numerical model was developed to simulate the progressive delamination of a composite subjected to mode I fatigue loading regimes of varying amplitude. The model employs a cohesive zone approach, which combines damage mechanics and fracture mechanics, and requires only standard material data as input, namely the delamination toughness and the fatigue delamination growth curve. The proposed model was validated against delamination growth data obtained from a fatigue test conducted on a DCB specimen. The model predictions agree very well with the experimental results. This model is an initial step toward life prediction of composite structures subjected to complex fatigue regimes.