A numerical evaluation of mode I & II damage propagation in composite materials

A full numerical evaluation using Abaqus has been done for 2D and 3D Mode I and II delamination propagation (in composite materials). First the theory to explain all the mechanisms that are involved in delamination growth were developed, also the theory that Abaqus uses to solve the delamination process was explained. Furthermore, all the values that have been used were explained in detail, these values are difficult to find. Then, the results were obtained combining the delamination theory with Matlab. The parameters that have been analyzed are: critical strain energy release rate, the most relevant stresses around the delamination and the shape of the delamination tip. The numerical results are in accordance with the experimental results, thus, the simulations are able to predict the delamination growth.