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Abstract:

The eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM) allows modelling of multiple cracks in composite materials without prior knowledge of their positions and in a mesh independent way. In the present study we examine the XFEM implemented in ABAQUS for predictions of the onset and propagation of transverse cracks in cross-ply laminates under quasi-static tensile loading. The process of transverse cracking is a well understood phenomenon in composites and is used here to investigate the effect of numerical input parameters on the crack density predictions. The crack propagation is modelled using a linear cohesive law within XFEM. The model requires as input the transverse ply strength and intralaminar fracture toughness. The influence of these parameters is reported elsewhere Among numerical parameters we examined the spacing between enriched regions and mesh size. The element size had no influence on the saturated crack density. The effect of the spacing was limited to small deviations in the crack density between initiation and saturation points.