Finite Element Analysis of Delamination Behaviors of Composite Laminates under Hygrothermal Environment Using Virtual Crack Closure Technique

This research aims to study the delamination behaviors of T700/8911 composite laminates under hygrothermal environment. For two mixed-mode I/II delamination specimens: single-leg bending delamination and over-leg bending delamination, finite element analysis using virtual crack closure technique as a ABAQUS module is comparatively performed to study the delamination growth and load responses, in which different delamination growth criteria are used. Mechanical tests and analytical solutions for two kinds of specimens are used to get the delamination fracture toughness. Results show that hygrothermal environment decreases the load-bearing ability and delamination resistance to some extent. This work provides a new thread for studying the delamination mechanisms of composite laminates under hygrothermal environment.