A comparative numerical study of standard 3D composite plate using virtual crack closure technique and cohesive zone modelling method

A standard square plate specimen made up of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) and Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) laminates with an artificially-introduced delamination was considered for evaluation of fracture parameters using Abaqus-Standard software. Though there are several methods to evaluate the initiation of delamination using software, Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT) and Cohesive Zone Modelling (CZM) method are commonly used. By using the above-mentioned methods, the Quasi-Isotropic (QI) composite laminates were analysed for varying compressive loads. The Load-Displacement responses were reported and seen to be in overall good statement with each other, while the modelling effort and computational time required were quite higher in CZM method compared to VCCT. Onset of delamination growth for CFRP and GFRP laminates was studied using VCCT by evaluating Strain Energy Release Rates (SERR). The results for both the specimens were compared and reported.