Elastic-plastic delamination of multilayered graded four-point bending beam

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to analyze the elastic-plastic delamination fracture behaviour of multilayered functionally graded four-point bending beam configuration. Design/methodology/approach The mechanical response of beam is described by a power-law stress-strain relation. The fracture is studied analytically in terms of the strain energy release rate by considering the beam complimentary strain energy. The beam can have an arbitrary number of layers. Besides, each layer may have different thickness and material properties. Also, in each layer, the material is functionally graded along the beam width. A delamination crack is located arbitrary between layers. Thus, the crack arms have different thickness. Findings The analysis developed is used to elucidate the effects of crack location, material gradient and non-linear behaviour of material on the delamination fracture. It is found that the material non-linearity leads to increase in the strain energy release rate. Therefore, the non-linear behaviour of material should be taken into account in fracture mechanics-based safety design of structural members and components made of multilayered functionally graded materials. The analysis revealed that the strain energy release rate can be effectively regulated by using appropriate material gradients in the design stage of multilayered functionally graded constructions. Originality/value Delamination fracture behaviour of multilayered functionally graded four-point bending beam configuration is studied in terms of the strain energy release rate by taking into account the material non-linearity.