Interlaminar Fatigue Growth for Fail-Safe Life Limit Analysis

摘要

An analysis method for calculation of fatigue life of composite parts with complex geometry and multi-mode loading was developed and implemented in a prototype computer program. The method uses finite element modeling in a static loading analysis as a preprocessing step to calculate the strain energy release rates and the crack front shape, which is assumed to be the same for fatigue loading. This approach allows for rapid calculation of the fatigue life and residual strength. Preliminary results showed significant under-prediction of the crack growth rate compared to test. Gaps in the input data and analysis were identified in anticipation of future research to close the gaps.