Non-linear elastic delamination of multilayered functionally graded beam

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to perform an analytical study of non-linear elastic delamination fracture in the multilayered functionally graded split cantilever beam (SCB) configuration. The SCB studied may have an arbitrary number of vertical layers. The material in each layer is functionally graded along the layer thickness. Also, the material properties may be different in each layer. The analytical solution derived was applied for parametric investigations in order to evaluate the effects of material properties and delamination crack location on the non-linear fracture behaviour. Design/methodology/approach The delamination fracture was studied in terms of the strain energy release rate. The SCB mechanical response was described by using a power-law stress-strain relation. A non-linear analytical solution for the strain energy release rate was derived by considering the SCB complementary strain energy. In order to verify the solution, an additional analysis of the strain energy release rate was developed by considering the complementary strain energy in the beam cross-sections ahead and behind the crack front. Findings The effects of material gradient, crack location along the beam width and non-linear material behaviour on the delamination fracture were evaluated. The analytical solution derived is useful for parametric studies of non-linear fracture in multilayered functionally graded beams. Originality/value Delamination fracture in the multilayered functionally graded SCB configuration was analysed with considering the non-linear material behaviour.