Ronald Krüger

Abstract of Conference Papers and Publications


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M. König, R. Krüger, E. Kohler, M. Kurz, and T. Ruckstuhl.
Experimantal and Numerical Analysis of Delamination Growth in a Graphite/Epoxy Specimen Caused by a Ply Cut.
In 2004 International Conference on Computational & Experimental Engineering & Science. Madeira, Portugal: Tech Science Press, 2004, pp. 427-432.

Abstract:



M. König, R. Krüger, and S. Rinderknecht.
Finite Element Analysis of Delamination Growth in a Multidirectional Composite ENF Specimen.
In Composite Materials: Theory and Practice, ASTM STP 1383, P. Grant and C. Q. Rousseau, Eds.: American Society for Testing and Materials, 2000, pp. 345-365.

Abstract: Two different finite element models have been applied to the analysis of delami-nation growth in a multidirectional graphite/epoxy ENF specimen, which has previously been investigated experimentally. For a more accurate computation of energy release rates along the delamination front, and particularly the individual mode contributions, a layered 3D shell finite element has been used. A 2D finite element, based on Reissner-Mindlin plate theory, has been employed for simulation of the delamination growth. This element incorporates a process layer in which the delamination can grow. The virtual crack closure method is employed in both models to compute the energy release rates along the delamination front. It is postulated that these energy release rates control the development of the shape of the delamination front, as well as the final unstable growth of the delamination, as observed in the experiment. By a comparison between simulation and experiment it is found that in the present case of pure shear mode (combination of Modes II and III) the Griffith criterion predicts correctly the global delamination growth.


S. Weihe, S. Rinderknecht, R. Krüger, and B. Kröplin.
Simulation of fracture and delamination propagation in fibre reinforced materials. Zeitschrift für Angewandte Mathematik und Mechanik, vol. 78, pp. S73-S76, 1998.

Abstract:


M. König, R. Krüger.
Delamination Growth under Cyclic Loading.
ECCM-8, European Conference on Composite Materials, Volume 4, ISBN 1 85573 410, Woodhead Publishing Ltd., 1998, pp. 479-486.

Abstract: Cyclic loading has been applied to CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) laminates, containing artificial delaminations, as well as ply cuts at various interfaces. For the experimentally detected delamination contours local energy release rates have been computed. Plots of measured delamination progression per load cycle versus computed energy release rates have been included in a Paris Law diagram, as obtained experimentally using simple specimens for material characterization. Results obtained for delamination growth in a 0/0 interface suggest that growth prediction, based on Paris Law, is possible. Additional results for specimens where delamination growth occurs in a 0/45 interface indicate that Paris Law parameters depend on the orientation of the adjacent plies. It appears that - at least in the case of the shear mode - the slope of the Paris law is much lower than in the case of a 0/0 interface. This implies, that the possibility of a delamination growth approach should be considered in the design of CFRP structures.


M. König, R. Krüger, K. Kussmaul, M. v. Alberti, and M. Gädke .
Characterizing Static and Fatigue Interlaminar Fracture Behaviour of a First Generation Graphite/Epoxy Composite.
Composite Materials: Testing and Design - (13th Vol.), ASTM STP 1242, S.J. Hooper, Ed., American Society for Testing and Materials, 1997, pp. 60-81.

Abstract: The characterization of interlaminar fracture -- with the goal to obtain a data base that can be used in design -- is demonstrated for a first generation graphite/epoxy composite widely used by European aircraft manufacturers. Critical energy release rates for mode I and mode II failure have been obtained from static tests using double cantilever beam, end notched flexure and transverse crack tension specimens. An interaction criterion for the mixed mode case is formulated, based on the results from mixed mode bending tests. Fatigue tests have been carried out to determine Paris Law parameters for pure mode I, pure mode II and mixed mode conditions as well as threshold energy release rates which could be used as design limit in a no-growth concept. In accordance with the static case an interaction criterion is formulated for the crack growth rate under mixed mode conditions. Delamination progression in more complex specimens has been measured and mixed mode energy release rates have been computed along the delamination fronts. Results lie well within the scatter band of Paris Law as obtained by the specimens employed for characterization. This confirms that the data obtained from the characterization of interlaminar fatigue growth can be applied for predictions in design. 


R. Krüger and M. König.
Prediction of Delamination Growth Under Cyclic Loading.
Composite Materials: Fatigue and Fracture - (Sixth Volume)., ASTM STP 1285, E.A. Armanios, Ed., American Society for Testing and Materials, 1997, pp. 162-178.

Abstract: The growth of delaminations in CFRE (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Epoxy) specimens during R=0.1 and R=-1 fatigue loading has been studied. Artificial circular and square delaminations as well as ply cuts have been introduced at various interfaces during manufacturing to simulate a pre-damaged structure and to cause delamination growth. Criteria based on fracture mechanics will be used to describe the delamination failure. Predicting delamination growth with this approach requires the distribution of the local energy release rate along the delamination front. For obtaining this energy release rate distribution the virtual crack closure method was found to be most favourable for three-dimensional finite element analysis as the separation of the total energy release rate into the contributing modes is inherent to the method and only one complete finite element analysis is necessary. Plots of measured delamination progression per load cycle (da/dN-values) versus computed energy release rates have been included in a Paris Law diagram as obtained experimentally using DCB specimens to characterize mode I and ENF and TCT specimens to characterize mode II failure, respectively. Computed mixed-mode results lie well within the scatter band of the experimentally determined Paris Law for mode I and mode II failure. 


M. König and R. Krüger
Delamination Growth in CFRP-Laminates Under Fatigue Loading.
International Conference on Fatigue of Composites, S. Degallaix, C. Bathias and R. Fougeres, eds., Societe Francaise de Metallurgie et de Materiaux , pp. 299-306, 1997.

Abstract: Specimens from CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic) laminates, containing artificial delaminations as well as ply cuts at various interfaces, were subjected to fatigue loading. For the experimentally detected delamination contours local energy release rates were computed, based on results obtained from three-dimensional finite element analysis. Plots of measured delamination progression per load cycle versus computed energy release rates have been included in a Paris Law diagram as obtained experimentally using simple specimens for material characterization. Results obtained for delamination growth in a 0/0 interface suggest that growth prediction based on Paris Law is an approach to be considered. Additional results for specimens where delamination growth occurs in a 0/45 interface indicate that Paris Law parameters depend on the orientations of the adjacent plies. A suitable growth law for this interface could be determined. 


R. Krüger, M. König and B. Kröplin
Delamination Growth in CFRP-Laminates: Development of a Predictive Tool Based on Computational Fracture Mechanics.
AIAA-97-1130-CP. In The 38th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC SSDM Conference, Kissimmee, FL, pp. 2064--2072, 1997.

Abstract: Specimens from CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic) laminates, containing artificial delaminations as well as ply cuts at various interfaces, were subjected to tension-tension (R=0.1) and tension-compression (R=-1) fatigue loading and delamination growth was monitored. Local energy release rates along experimentally detected delamination contours were computed, based on results obtained from three dimensional finite element analysis. Plots of measured delamination progression per load cycle versus computed energy release rates have been included in a Paris Law diagram as obtained experimentally using simple specimens for material characterization. Results obtained for delamination growth in a 0/0 interface suggest that growth prediction based on Paris Law is an approach to be considered. However, other results for specimens where delamination growth occurs between plies of dissimilar orientations indicate that Paris Law parameters determined for a unidirectional interface are not valid in this case. A suitable growth law for a 0/45 interface could be determined. Growth in this case is considerably slower as compared to the unidirectional case. This is essential when considering a damage tolerance approach for design and operation of CFRP structures. 


M. König, R. Krüger and H. Parisch
A Finite Element Approach for Predicting Delamination Growth
In Proceedings of NAFEMS World Congress '97 - Stuttgart, pp. 136-147, NAFEMS , 1997.

Abstract: For more brittle composites such as carbon fibre reinforced epoxy laminates it is shown that criteria based on elastic fracture mechanics are an appropriate tool for predicting delamination growth under quasi-static and fatigue loading. The criteria are based on the distribution of the local energy release rate, which is obtained using the virtual crack closure method, implemented in a finite element analysis. For quasi-static loading the concept has been verified by analyzing delamination fronts of the well known unidirectionally reinforced double cantilever beam specimen. The experimentally observed delaminations show contours for which the energy release rate is constant along the front. For cyclic loading experiments have been performed utilizing a specimen that contains a ply cut and an adjacent deliberate delamination. Plots of measured delamination progression per load cycle versus computed energy release rate have been included in a Paris Law diagram as obtained experimentally using simple specimens for material characterization. The results lie well within the scatter band of the experimentally determined Paris Law.


M. König, R. Krüger, E. Kohler, M. Kurz and T. Ruckstuhl
Analytical and Numerical Analysis of a Specimen Containing a Delamination Caused by a Ply Cut.
ISD-Report No. 97/2, Institute for Statics und Dynamics of Aerospace Structures, University of Stuttgart, 1997 (Revision B, 1999). - (1.1 MB)

Abstract: The growth of delaminations in CFRE (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Epoxy) specimens during R=0.1 fatigue loading has been studied. Two cuts through the top and bottom layer across the entire width of the specimen have been introduced during manufacturing to simulate a component with a ply drop and to cause delamination growth. Criteria based on fracture mechanics are used to describe the delamination failure. Predicting delamination growth with this approach requires the distribution of the local energy release rate along the delamination front. For obtaining this energy release rate distribution the virtual crack closure method was found to be most favourable for three-dimensional finite element analysis, as the separation of the total energy release rate into the contributing modes is inherent to the method and only one complete finite element analysis is necessary. Using the grid reflection method delamination growth was observed and the size and shape of the affected area determined, yielding the delamination contours. Plots of measured delamination progression per load cycle versus computed energy release rates have been included in a Paris Law diagram, as obtained experimentally using DCB specimens to characterize mode I and ENF and TCT specimens to characterize mode II failure. Computed mixed-mode results lie well within the scatter band of the experimentally determined Paris Law for mode I and mode II failure. This is in agreement with results obtained previously from another type of specimen. These results suggest that growth prediction based on Paris Law is an approach to be considered for further investigations.


R. Krüger, S. Rinderknecht and M. König
Two- and Three- Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Crack Fronts in a Multidirectional Composite ENF Specimen
ISD-Report No. 97/1, Institute for Statics und Dynamics of Aerospace Structures, University of Stuttgart, 1997. - (444 K)

Abstract:Results are presented from a numerical investigation of the effect of the shape of the delamination front on energy release rate distribution in a laminated carbon fibre reinforced epoxy end-notched flexure test specimen. The deformation behaviour of the specimen has been computed by three-dimensional nonlinear finite element analyses using a recently developed layered 3D-shell element. The distributions of the local mixed mode energy release rates along the initial straight and one measured curved delamination fronts have been determined by the virtual crack closure method. The dependency of computed total energy release rate as well as the individual mode contributions from the shape of the delamination front is discussed. By means of 2D models for which a delamination process element has been used, a curved front was iteratively determined along which the total energy release rate is constant. The shape of this front is in good agreement with experimentally observed front shapes.


R. Krüger and M. König
Investigation of Delamination Growth Between Plies of Dissimilar Orientations.
ISD-Report No. 96/5, Institute for Statics und Dynamics of Aerospace Structures, University of Stuttgart, 1996. - (2 MB)

Abstract: The growth of delaminations in CFRE (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Epoxy) specimens during R=0.1 fatigue loading has been studied. Artificial 10 x 10 mm square delaminations and an additional cut through two plies have been introduced during manufacturing to simulate a pre-damaged structure and to cause delamination growth. Criteria based on fracture mechanics are used to describe the delamination failure. Predicting delamination growth with this approach requires the distribution of the local energy release rate along the delamination front. For obtaining this energy release rate distribution the virtual crack closure method was found to be most favourable for three-dimensional finite element analysis as the separation of the total energy release rate into the contributing modes is inherent to the method and only one complete finite element analysis is necessary. Using C-scan delamination growth was observed, yielding the delamination contours. Plots of measured delamination progression per load cycle versus computed energy release rates have been included in a Paris Law diagram obtained experimentally for the unidirectional interface. The results indicate that Paris Law parameters determined for a unidirectional interface are not valid if delamination propagation occurs at interfaces between layers of dissimilar orientations. This is in agreement with results obtained previously from a delamination buckling specimen. Growth at the interface investigated is considerably slower as in the unidirectional case. This is essential when considering a damage tolerance approach for the design and operation of CFRE structures. A suitable growth law for the interface investigated was determined from the computed energy release rates and the corresponding measured delamination progression. 


R. Krüger, C. Hänsel and M. König
Experimental-Numerical Investigation of Delamination Buckling and Growth.
ISD-Report No. 96/3, Institute for Statics und Dynamics of Aerospace Structures, University of Stuttgart, 1996. - (1.6 MB)

Abstract: The growth of delaminations in CFRE (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Epoxy) specimens during R=-1 fatigue loading has been studied. Artificial circular delaminations have been introduced during manufacturing to simulate a pre-damaged structure and to cause delamination growth. Criteria based on fracture mechanics are used to describe the delamination failure. Predicting delamination growth with this approach requires the distribution of the local energy release rate along the delamination front. For obtaining this energy release rate distribution the virtual crack closure method was found to be most favourable for three-dimensional finite element analysis, as the separation of the total energy release rate into the contributing modes is inherent to the method and only one complete finite element analysis is necessary. Plots of measured delamination progression per load cycle versus computed energy release rates have been included in a Paris Law diagram obtained experimentally for the unidirectional interface. The results indicate that Paris Law parameters determined for a unidirectional interface are not valid for delamination propagation that occurs at interfaces between layers of dissimilar orientations. The corresponding Paris Law line seems to be less steep as for the unidirectional case. This is essential when considering a damage tolerance approach for the design and operation of CFRE structures. However, the growth law for the interface considered should be confirmed by material characterization tests to support the current results.


B.D. Davidson, R. Krüger and M. König.
Effect of Stacking Sequence on Energy Release Rate Distributions in Multidirectional DCB and ENF Specimens.
Engineering Fracture Mechanics, Vol. 55, No. 4, pages 557--569, 1996.
Also appears as Syracuse University Technical Report No. MAME-95-101, 1995.

Abstract: Results are presented from a theoretical investigation of the effect of stacking sequence on energy release rate distributions in laminated composite double cantilever beam and end-notched flexure test specimens. Eight different stacking sequences are investigated; four of these will result in delamination growth at 30/30 interface and four will result in growth at a 30/-30 interface. Each set of four sequences are chosen to exhibit varying amounts of coupling between the primary bending curvature and either the transverse curvature or the twist curvature. For a set number of plies, sequences that minimize one type of coupling will have increased coupling of the other type. The sequences chosen for study span a range of possible choices for practical use. Three dimensional finite element analyses are used to obtain the total energy release rate and its distribution along an initially straight delamination front for the eight sequences under DCB and ENF loadings. As expected, for DCB loading, peak energy release rates occur near the center of the specimen's width, whereas for ENF loading the peak occurs at one or both edges. It is shown that larger bending-twisting coupling results in larger asymmetries in the energy release rate, whereas larger longitudinal-transverse bending coupling results in larger peak values. Practical application to DCB and ENF testing is discussed.


R. Krüger, S. Rinderknecht, C. Hänsel and M. König.
Computational Structural Analysis and Testing:
An Approach to Understand Delamination Growth
Fracture of Composites, E. A. Armanios Ed., Key Engineering Materials,
Vols. 120-121, pp. 181-202, Trans Tech Publications, 1996.

Abstract: The so-called "computer aided test" (CAT) offers possibilities for experimental investigation of the behaviour of materials using complex structural related specimens. For the determination of energy release rates at delamination growth laminated Carbon Fibre Reinforced Epoxy (CFRE) specimens, containing an artificial delamination embedded near the surface, have been tested under static compression and under tension-compression (R=-1) fatigue loading. The out-of-plane (i.e. buckling) deformations of the delaminated region have been measured via moiré technique. Using numerical post-processing techniques, the size and shape of the delaminated sublaminate as well as the delamination front contour may be obtained from the information stored in the digitized pictures. The postbuckling state of the specimens in the compression phase of the test, which is assumed to drive the delamination growth, is computed by two-dimensional (plate) and three-dimensional (layered 3D shell) finite element models in which the measured delamination front contour is taken into account. Results for the computed displacements of specimens with circular delaminations, which have been used as starter delaminations in the tests, show satisfactory agreement with the measured deformations. They are, however, rather sensitive to the load and the delamination size. The same holds to an even larger extend for the energy release rates which have been computed along the circular delamination front contours using the virtual crack closure method. The goal of the investigations is to compute energy release rates along measured arbitrarily shaped delamination front contours and to correlate the results with the measured delamination growth.


R. Krüger, M. König and M. Gädke.
Prediction of Delamination Growth Under Cyclic Loading Using Fracture Mechanics.
Progress in Durability Analysis of Composite Systems, Proceedings of the international conference DURACOSYS 95, Brussels.
ISBN 90-5410-809-6, A.A. Balkema Publishers, pp. 45-52, 1996.

Abstract: Results are presented which show that criteria based on elastic fracture mechanics are an appropriate tool for predicting delamination growth in carbon fibre reinforced epoxy laminates caused by fatigue loading. To check the validity of the approach local energy release rates along experimentally determined delamination fronts have been determined using the virtual crack closure method, implemented in a finite element analysis. Plots of computed energy release rate versus measured delamination progression per load cycle have been included in a Paris Law diagram as obtained experimentally using simple specimens for material characterization. The results lie well within the scatter band of the experimentally determined Paris Law. 


R. Krüger and M. König
Two- and Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of a Specimen Containing a Rectangular Artificial Delamination and Additional Ply Cut
ISD-Report No. 95/11, Institute for Statics und Dynamics of Aerospace Structures, University of Stuttgart, 1995. - (3 MB)

Abstract: The growth of delaminations in CFRE (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Epoxy) specimens during R=0.1 fatigue loading has been studied. Artificial 10 x 10 mm square delaminations and an additional cut through one ply have been introduced during manufacturing to simulate a pre-damaged structure and to cause delamination growth. Criteria based on fracture mechanics are used to describe the delamination failure. Predicting delamination growth with this approach requires the distribution of the local energy release rate along the delamination front. For obtaining this energy release rate distribution the virtual crack closure method was found to be most favourable for three-dimensional finite element analysis, as the separation of the total energy release rate into the contributing modes is inherent to the method and only one complete finite element analysis is necessary. Using ultrasonic C-scan, delamination growth was observed and the size and shape of the affected area determined, yielding the delamination contours. Plots of measured delamination progression per load cycle versus computed energy release rates have been included in a Paris Law diagram as obtained experimentally using DCB specimens to characterize mode I and ENF and TCT specimens to characterize mode II failure, respectively. Computed mixed-mode results lie well within the scatter band of the experimentally determined Paris Law for mode I and mode II failure. These results suggest that growth prediction based on Paris Law is an approach to be considered for further investigations. 


B.D. Davidson, R. Krüger and M. König.
Three Dimensional Analysis and Resulting Design Recommendations for Unidirectional and Multidirectional End- Notched Flexure Tests.
Journal of Composite Materials, Vol. 29, No. 16, pages 2108--2133, 1995.
Also appears as Syracuse University Technical Report No. MAME-94-401, 1994.

Abstract: Results are presented from a theoretical investigation of the effects of stacking sequence on the energy release rate in laminated composite end-notched flexure test specimens. Deflections and energy release rates of unidirectional and multidirectional ENF specimens are obtained by classical laminated plate theory, shear deformable plate theory, and three dimensional finite element analyses. It is shown that the distribution of energy release rate varies across the front of an initially straight delamination. The percentage of mode II and mode III energy release rates for the specimen, as well as the local peak values of the mode II, mode III and total energy release rates that occur at the specimen's free edge are shown to correlate with a nondimensional ratio comprised of the specimen's flexural rigidities. The results of the study are used as a basis for a proposed "ENF test design procedure" that may be used for the determination of appropritate specimen stacking sequences and test geometries for studying delamination growth at interfaces between plies at various orientations. The test design procedure minimizes the contributions to the energy release rate from residual thermal stresses, geometric nonlinearities, local mode II concentrations at the specimen's free edges and local mode III effects.


B.D. Davidson, R. Krüger and M. König.
Three Dimensional Analysis of Center Delaminated Unidirectional and Multidirectional Single Leg Bending Specimens.
Composites Science and Technology, Vol. 54, No. 4, pages 385--394, 1995.
Also appears as: Technical Report No. MAME-94-901, Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Manufacturing Engineering, Syracuse University, 1994.

Abstract: Results are presented from a theoretical investigation of the effects of stacking sequence on the energy release rate in laminated composite single leg bending test specimens. Deflections and energy release rates of unidirectional and multidirectional SLB specimens are obtained by classical laminated plate theory based methods and by three dimensional finite element analyses. It is shown that the distribution of energy release rate varies across the front of an initially straight delamination and, regardless of stacking sequence, all three energy release rate components will occur. The percentage of mode III energy release rate is generally small. Its relative magnitude, as well as the differences between the maximum values of all the energy release rate components, are shown to correlate with a nonbdimensional ratio comprised of the specimen's flexural rigidities. The classical plate theory based methods are shown to accurately predict both total energy release rate and the average mode ratio, i.e., with respect to the specimen's full width, for all stacking sequences evaluated.


R. Krüger, M. König and M. Gädke.
Predicting Delamination Growth under Cyclic Loading: An Approach Using Computational Structural Analysis and Testing.
In Proccedings of the The Tenth International Conference on Composite Materials,Vol. I,
A. Poursartip and K. Street, editors, Woodhead Publishing Ltd., ISBN 1-85573-222-1, pages 269-276, 1995.

Abstract: For more brittle composites such as carbon fibre reinforced epoxy laminates it is shown that criteria based on elastic fracture mechanics are an appropriate tool for predicting delamination growth under fatigue loading. The distribution of the local energy release rate along experimentally determined delamination fronts is obtained using the virtual crack closure method, implemented in a finite element analysis. Plots of measured delamination progression per load cycle versus computed energy release rate have been included in a Paris Law diagram as obtained experimentally using simple specimens for material characterization. The results lie well within the scatter band of the experimentally determined Paris Law. 


M. König, R. Krüger and S. Rinderknecht.
Numerical Simulation of Delamination Buckling and Growth.
In Proccedings of the The Tenth International Conference on Composite Materials, Vol. I,
A. Poursartip and K. Street, editors, Woodhead Publishing Ltd., ISBN 1-85573-222-1, pages 561-568, 1995.

Abstract: Buckling induced growth of delaminations has been tested for tension-compression (R=-1) fatigue loading. Via Moiré-technique the out-of-plane (i.e. buckling) deformation of the delaminated region has been measured. Using numerical post-processing techniques the size and the shape of the delamination can be determined from this measurement. The post-buckling state of the specimens has then been analyzed by two-dimensional (plate) and three-dimensional (layered 3D shell) finite element models. First comparisons between experiment and analysis indicate that a prediction of the growth rate of delaminations might be possible via simulation of the post-buckling behaviour and computation of the energy release rates along the delamination front. 


M. König and R. Krüger
Computation of Energy Release Rates: A Tool for Predicting Delamination Growth in Carbon Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Laminates.
Computational Plasticity. - Fundamentals and Applications - Proceedings of 4th International Conference, Barcelona, E. Onate, D.R.J Owen and E. Hinton, editors, ISBN 0-906674-85-9. Pineridge Press, pages 1167--1178, 1995.

Abstract: For more brittle composites such as carbon fibre reinforced epoxy laminates it is shown that criteria based on elastic fracture mechanics are an appropriate tool for predicting delamination growth under quasi-static and fatigue loading. The criteria are based on the distribution of the local energy release rate, which is obtained using the virtual crack closure method, implemented in a finite element analysis. For quasi-static loading the concept has been verified by analyzing delamination fronts of unidirectionally reinforced double cantilever beam and end notched flexure specimens. The experimentally observed delaminations show contours for which the energy release rate is constant along the front. For cyclic loading experiments have been performed utilizing a specimen that contains a ply cut and an adjacent deliberate delamination, a model-configuration for a laminate after foreign object impact. Plots of measured delamination progression per load cycle versus computed energy release rate have been included in a Paris Law diagram as obtained experimentally using simple specimens for material characterization. The results lie well within the scatter band of the experimentally determined Paris Law.


M. König und R. Krüger
Bruchmechaniche Modellierung von Faserverbund-Laminaten.
In Space Course 1995, Lehrgang über Raumtransportsysteme,
D. Dinkler und E. Messerschmid (Herausgeber), ISBN 3-930683-03-2.
Institut für Statik und Dynamik der Luft- und Raumfahrtkonstruktionen, Universität Stuttgart, Seiten 397-414, 1995.

Abstract: Das Konzept der Bruchmechanik und deren Bedeutung für die Auslegung und den Betrieb von Luft- und Raumfahrtstrukturen wird dargestellt. An einem für zukünftige heiße tragende Strukturen relevanten Beispiel, der Delamination von Faserverbund-Laminaten, wird versucht, einen Einblick in den Stand der Technik der bruchmechanischen Modellierung zu geben.


M. König und R. Krüger.
Bruchmechanik des Delaminationswachstums in zyklisch belasteten CFK-Laminaten
In 27. Vortragsveranstaltung des DVM-Arbeitskreises Bruchvorgänge, Köln. Deutscher Verband für Materialforschung und -prüfung e.V., Seiten 29-38, 1995.

Abtract: Es werden Ergebnisse aus einem Vorhaben vorgestellt, das zum Ziel hat, die Möglichkeit der Vorhersage des Delaminationswachstums mittels elastischer Bruchmechanik zu überprüfen. Dazu bedient man sich einer experimentell-numerischen Vorgehensweise. Es wird eine komplexe Flachprobe vorgestellt, die aus kohlenstoffaserverstärktem Epoxidharz (Prepreg T300/914C) hergestellt wurde. Durch Einbetten einer doppelten Trennfolie während der Fertigung wurde eine künstliche, quadratische Delamination eingebracht und ferner die darunterliegende Schicht durchtrennt, um so eine vorgeschädigte Struktur simulieren zu können bei der Delaminationswachstum auftritt. Die Probe wurde mit Zugschwellbelastung (R= 0,1) bei Oberspannungen von 30%, 40% und 50% der Zugfestigkeit des Laminats belastet. Die Delaminationsfrontverläufe wurden in regelmäßigen Abständen mittels Ultraschallprüfung (C-Scan) ermittelt. Zur Auswertung der Meßergebnisse wurde die auf der Methode der Finiten Elemente basierende Modifizierte Rißschließungsmethode eingesetzt, mit deren Hilfe die lokalen Energiefreisetzungsraten entlang der Delaminationsfront bestimmt werden können. Die Meßergebnisse für den lokalen Delaminationsfortschritt pro Lastzyklus (da/dN-Werte) in Abhängigkeit von der berechneten Energiefreisetzungsrate wurden in ein Paris-Gesetz-Diagramm aufgenommen, das aus einfachen Tests ermittelt worden war. Die Ergebnisse lassen den Schluß zu, daß es möglich sein sollte das Wachstum eingebetteter Delaminationen vorherzusagen, indem man die Energiefreisetzungsraten entlang der Delaminationfront berechnet und die erhaltenen Ergebnisse mit den Werten aus dem Paris-Gesetz vergleicht, das mit Hilfe einfacher Proben ermittelt wurde.


H. Eggers, R. Krüger and M. König
Test and Calibration of the Special Beam Lattice Model.
ISD-Report No. 94/8, Institute for Statics und Dynamics of Aerospace Structures, University of Stuttgart, 1994.

Abstract: It is commonly accepted that criteria based on fracture mechanics are a meaningful tool to describe the failure of a delaminated structure. Therefore the knowledge of the distribution of the local energy release rate along the delamination front becomes essential for predicting delamination growth. Due to the tremendous effort for the numerical modeling of a damaged laminate by finite elements (especially three dimensional finite elements) numerical solutions are rare. In order to overcome this disadvantage the beam lattice model (BLM) was developed. In this model the sublaminates are approximated by two beam lattices coupled outside of the damaged zone. The adaption of the BLM to a given specimen configuration is rather simple, because the number and locations of corner and side nodes can be chosen arbitrarily. The stiffness matrices are evaluated via the solution for the buckled beam, such that rather coarse grids can be used. Therefore a complete specimen with an embedded delamination can be analyzed with reasonable numerical effort. For statistical investigations, however, an even smaller fast running program is needed, which produces some parameters describing the potential endangering of components by local delaminations. In order to meet this demand research focussed on the development of a special beam lattice model (SBLM), generated with the components of the BLM for a minimal lattice structure, which means that in the delaminated zone the sublaminates are modeled by two beam crosses stacked one over another and coupled at the delamination front. The legs of the beam crosses are extended to the undamaged area in order to approximate the stiffness behaviour of the remaining structure. For the deformed laminate the energy release rates are evaluated at the delamination front in length and cross direction. The implemented subroutines for evaluating the energy release rates are easy to handle and cover different cases like inner and outer delaminations with arbitrary size and stacking sequence of the laminate. The actual loading of the undamaged laminate is taken into account as well as the local unloading due to the local buckling of the sublaminate. It is demonstrated that using the SBLM different damage configurations can be evaluated fast, such that tendencies of damage progress and damage tolerance of the composite structure can be estimated. The lengths of the extended beams and an enlargement factor for their tensile stiffnesses are the free parameters of the model, which were calibrated using the results from a full 3D-analysis of a compression specimen containing an embedded circular delamination.



J. Albinger, C. Hänsel, M. König, R. Krüger, H. Parisch und S. Rinderknecht.
Ein kombiniertes experimentelles und numerisches Verfahren zur Bestimmung der Energiefreisetzungsraten beim Delaminationsfortschritt in CFK.
In: Numerische und experimentelle Methoden in der Statik und Dynamik,
D. Dinkler und U. Hänle (Herausgeber), ISBN 3-930683-00-8.
Institut für Statik und Dynamik der Luft- und Raumfahrtkonstruktionen, Universität Stuttgart, Seiten 265-289, 1994.

Abtract: Das computerunterstützte Experiment (computer aided test, CAT) bietet die Mögichkeit, das Verhalten von Materialien in komplexen, bauteilähnlichen Proben experimentell zu untersuchen. Zur Bestimmung der Energiefreisetzungsraten bei Delaminationswachstum wurden CFK-Flachproben mit künstlicher, oberflächennaher Delamination quasi-statisch unter Druck und zyklisch mit Zug-Druck-Wechselbelastung (R=-1) belastet. Die Verformungen des delaminierten Bereichs wurden mit Hilfe der Moiré-Technik gemessen. Mittels numerischer Weiterverarbeitung der digitalisierten Bilder kann aus den gemessenen Verformungen die Größe und die Form des lokal ausbeulenden Sublaminats und somit der Delaminationsfrontverlauf bestimmt werden. Dies wiederum ermöglicht die Analyse der Vorgänge beim Delaminationsfortschritt mit Hilfe der Finite-Elemente (FE)-Methode. Mittels zweidimensionaler Modelle (aus Plattenelementen) und dreidimensionaler Modelle aus 3D-Schalenelementen wurde das Nachbeulverhalten der Probe während der Druckphase des Versuchs - in der das Delaminationswachstum erwartet wird - untersucht. Erste Ergebnisse für die Beulverformung einer Probe mit kreisförmiger Ausgangsdelamination zeigen im Vergleich zum Versuch zufriedenstellende Ergebnisse. Lokale Energiefreisetzungsraten entlang der kreisförmigen Delaminationfront wurden mittels der modifizierten Rißschließungsmethode berechnet.


R. Krüger.
Three Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Multidirectional Composite DCB, SLB and ENF Specimens.
ISD-Report No. 94/2, Institute for Statics und Dynamics of Aerospace Structures, University of Stuttgart, 1994. - (1.4 MB)

Abstract: Results are presented from a numerical investigation of the effect of stacking sequence on energy release rate distribution in laminated carbon fibre reinforced epoxy double cantilever beam, single leg bending and end-notched flexure test specimens. The deformation behaviour of the specimens has been computed by three-dimensional nonlinear finite element analyses using a recently developed layered 3D-shell element. The distributions of the local mixed mode energy release rates along straight and measured curved delamination fronts have been determined by the virtual crack closure method. The dependency of computed total energy release rate and the individual mode contributions on element types and local mesh sizes is discussed. It is shown that for all three specimen types the distribution depends on the ply angles at the interface of crack propagation. In addition, it also depends on the bending-twisting coupling and the longitudinal-transverse bending coupling in the individual arms of the specimens caused by different stacking sequences. Results are used to verify existing and proposed new design recommendations for all three types of specimens.


R. Krüger, M. König, J. Albinger and C. Hänsel.
Combined Experimental- Numerical Approach for the Determination of Mixed- Mode Energy Release Rates at Delamination Growth.
AIAA-94-1460-CP. In the 35th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC SSDM Conference, Hilton Head, SC, pages 1212--1222, 1994.

Abstract: The growth of delaminations embedded near the surface of structural related, laminated CFRE-specimens during tension-compression fatigue loading has been studied by measuring the out-of-plane (i.e. buckling) deformation of the delaminated region via moiré technique. From the measured deformations the delamination front contours have been determined. The postbuckling state of the specimens in the compression phase of the test, which is assumed to drive the delamination growth, is computed by two-dimensional (plate) and three-dimensional (layered 3D shell) finite element models in which the measured delamination front contour is taken into account. First results for the computed displacements of a specimen with circular delamination, which has been used as starter delamination in the tests, show satisfactory agreement with the measured deformation. Energy release rates have been computed along the circular delamination front contour using the Modified Crack Closure Method. The goal of future investigations is to compute energy release rates along measured arbitrarily shaped delamination front contours and to correlate the results with the measured delamination growth.


M. König, J. Albinger and C. Hänsel.
Delamination Buckling: Numerical Simulation of Experiments
In ICCM-9, Madrid, Vol. VI, page 535--542, 1993

Abstract: The growth of delaminations near the surface of laminated CFRP-specimens during tension-compression fatigue loading has been studied by measuring the out-of-plane (i.e. buckling) deformation of the delaminated region via moiré technique. From the measured deformations the delamination front contours have been determined. The postbuckling state of the specimen in the compression phase of the test, which is assumed to drive the delamination growth, can be computed by a two-dimensional (plate) finite element model in which the measured delamination front contour is taken into account. First results for the computed displacements of a specimen with artificial circular delamination, as used as starter-delamination in the tests, show satisfactory agreement with the measured deformation. The goal of the investigations is, to compute energy release rates along measured delamination front contours and to correlate the results with the measured delamination growth. 


R. Krüger, M. König and T. Schneider.
Computation of Local Energy Release Rates Along Straight and Curved Delamination Fronts of Unidirectionally Laminated DCB- and ENF - Specimens, AIAA-93-1457-CP. In the 34th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC SSDM Conference, La Jolla, California , pages 1332--1342, 1993.

Abstract: Several methods which utilize finite element (FE) analysis for the calculation of energy release rates have been investigated. Two-dimensional models of double cantilever beam (DCB) and end notched flexure (ENF) specimens were used for numerical tests and the investigation included methods such as virtual crack extension and modified crack closure method. Results obtained from FE-analysis were compared with experimental results using standard methods for the evaluation of measured data to calculate the energy release rate. From the numerical methods investigated the virtual crack entension method and the modified crack closure method have been chosen for further evaluation using three-dimensional analysis which provides the possibility of calculating the distribution of the local energy release rate along a crack front. For the ENF-specimen the energy release rate G_II was almost uniform along an assumed straight crack front, for the DCB-specimen however the energy release rate G_I was found to be constant only near the center of the specimen. Towards the edges G_I decreases significantly. These results confirm experimetal observations of straight crack fronts for ENF- and curved crack fronts for DCB-specimens. Rather detailed investigations of DCB-specimens with assumed curved crack fronts resulted in an almost constant distribution of the local energy release rate across the width of the specimen.


M. König und R. Krüger.
Örtliche Energiefreisetzungsraten: Kriterium für den Delaminationsfortschritt in CFK - Laminaten ?
In 25. Vortragsveranstaltung des DVM-Arbeitskreises Bruchvorgänge, Karlsruhe, pages 505--514. Deutscher Verband fur Materialforschung und -prüfung e.V., Februar 1993.

Abtract:Die am häufigsten verwendeten Proben zur Bestimmung der Rißzähigkeit bei der Delamination von endlosfaserverstärkten CFK (Carbon-Faser-verstärkten Kunststoff)-Laminaten sind die DCB (Double Cantilever Beam)-Probe für Rißöffnungsmodus I und die ENF (End Notched Flexure)-Probe für Rißöffnungsmodus II. Bei quasi-statischem Delaminationsfortschritt beobachtet man für die DCB-Probe gekrümmte und für die ENF-Probe gerade Delaminationsfronten. Durch Berechnung der lokalen Energiefreisetzungsraten entlang gemessener Delaminationsfronten mittels dreidimensionaler Finite-Elemente-Modelle soll untersucht werden, ob die örtliche Energiefreisetzungsrate ein Kriterium für den Delaminationsfortschritt, d.h. für die Entwicklung der Form und Größe von Delaminationen, darstellt. Für eine angenommene gerade Riß wurde für die ENF-Probe ein nahezu konstanter Verlauf von G_II über die Probenbreite ermittelt, während sich bei der DCB-Probe nur im Bereich der Probenmitte ein konstanter G_I-Verlauf ergab. Zum Probenrand hin fällt G_I deutlich ab. Detaillierte Untersuchungen der DCB-Probe mit gekrümmter Rißfront zeigen einen nahezu konstanten Verlauf der Energiefreisetzungsrate G_I entlang der Rißfront. Somit kann die Arbeitshypothese, daß die lokale Energiefreisetzungsrate als Kriterium für die Entwicklung einer Delaminationsfront betrachtet werden kann, weiterverfolgt werden.


S. Fan, R. Krüger und M. König.
Anwendung numerischer Methoden der Bruchmechanik auf die Delamination von CFK-Laminaten.
ISD-Report No. 92/11, Institut für Statik und Dynamik der Luft- und Raumfahrtkonstruktioen, Universität Stuttgart, 1992.

Abstract: Verschiedene numerische Verfahren zur Berechnung der Energiefreisetzungsraten G_I, G_II und G_III, die auf der Methode der Finiten Elemente basieren, sind eingehend an zweidimensionalen Modellen von DCB- und ENF-Proben untersucht worden. Die Ergebnisse linearer und nichtlinearer Finite-Elemente-Analysen konnten mit jenen Energiefreisetzungsraten verglichen werden, die mit Hilfe standardisierter Auswerteformeln aus den Versuchsdaten ermittelt wurden. Von den untersuchten Verfahren wurden aufgrund guter Ergebnisse nur die virtuelle Rißerweiterungsmethode (virtual crack extension method) und die modifizierte Rißschließungsmethode (modified crack closure method) für nichtlineare Analysen mit dreidimensionalen Modellen weiterverwendet. Mit solchen Analysen kann der Verlauf der örtlichen Energiefreisetzungsraten entlang der Delaminationsfront ermittelt werden. Für eine angenommene gerade Rißfront wurde für die ENF-Probe ein nahezu konstanter Verlauf von G_II über die Probenbreite ermittelt, während sich bei der DCB-Probe nur im Bereich der Probenmitte ein konstanter G_I-Verlauf ergab. Zum Probenrand hin fällt G_I deutlich ab. Die Ergebnisse bestätigen die im Experiment beobachteten geraden Rißfronten der ENF- und die zum Rand hin gekrümmten Rißfronten der DCB-Probe. Detaillierte Untersuchungen der DCB-Probe mit gekrümmten Rißfronten zeigen einen nahezu konstanten Verlauf der Energiefreisetzungsrate G_I entlang der Rißfront. Somit kann davon ausgegangen werden, daß die lokale Energiefreisetzungsrate als Kriterium für die Entwicklung einer Delaminationsfront Gültigkeit besitzt und daß die numerischen Methoden zu deren Bestimmung qualifiziert sind.


R. Krüger und T. Schneider.
Berechnung der Energiefreisetzungsraten bei der Delamination kohlenstoffaserverstärkter Kunststoffe mit der Methode der Finiten Elemente.
In DGLR-Jahrbuch II, Deutscher Luft- und Raumfahrtkongress, Bremen , pages 953--962, 1992. GW ISSN 0070-4083.

Abstract: Bei faserverstärkten Kunststoffen ist die Delamination, d.h. die flächige Ablösung zweier benachbarter Laminatschichten, eine der Hauptschädigungsformen. Unter Betriebsbelastung wird sich eine durch Fertigungsfehler oder Schlagbeanspruchung (impact) verursachte Delamination zunächst allmählich und dann mit zunehmender Geschwindigkeit vergrößern. Die dadurch verursachte Steifigkeits- und Festigkeitsabnahme des Bauteils kann bereits unterhalb der Belastungsgrenze, für die das Bauteil ausgelegt wurde, zum Versagen der Struktur führen. Konstruktion und Auslegung komplexer Bauteile aus faserverstärkten Kunststoffen mit Hilfe empirisch ermittelter Sicherheitsfaktoren können zwar ein Delaminationsversagen der Struktur verhindern, werden die Strukturen jedoch nicht optimal ausnutzen sondern überdimensionieren und so zu einem unerwünscht hohen Gewicht führen. Für eine optimale Ausnutzung der günstigen Eigenschaften faserverstärkter Kunststoffe, sowie für die Ermittlung von Inspektionsintervallen ist es notwendig, die Ausbreitung von Delaminationen vorhersagen zu können.

Für die folgenden Untersuchungen wird vorausgesetzt, daß die linear-elastische Bruchmechanik für CFK anwendbar ist, wobei jedoch Nichtlinearitäten aufgrund großer Verschiebungen (geometrische Nichtlinearitäten) berücksichtigt sind. Ferner wird angenommen, daß eine kritische Energiefreisetzungsrate G_c existiert und diese eine Materialeigenschaft ist, die von der Geometrie und vom Lagenaufbau unabhängig ist. Ein Delaminationsfortschritt kann folglich dann einsetzen, wenn die durch die äußeren Lasten und die gespeicherte Dehnungsenergie zur Verfügung stehende Energiefreisetzungsrate G den kritischen Wert G_c erreicht. Um nun die Ausbreitung von Delaminationen in einem CFK-Bauteil vorhersagen zu könen, sind - neben der Kenntnis der kritischen Energiefreisetzungsraten des Werkstoffs für die drei Rißöffnungsarten und für ihre Überlagerung - numerische Verfahren erforderlich, mit denen die verfügbaren Energiefreisetzungsraten G_I, G_II und G_III für ein komplexes Bauteil unter der gegebenen Belastung berechnet werden können. Hierzu stehen verschiedene Verfahren zur Verfügung, die auf der Methode der Finiten Elemente beruhen.


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