Numerical evaluation of crack stopping mechanisms in composite bonded joints due to corrugation and bolts

Abstract

In this paper, the crack stopping mechanisms in corrugated composite bonded joints and hybrid bonded/bolted joints were evaluated numerically using the cohesive zone modeling approach. For the study, the DCB (double-cantilever beam) and the CLS (crack-lap shear) specimens were modelled. The first two specimens were subjected to static loads and the latter both to static and fatigue loads. The analysis was performed using the LS-DYNA explicit FE code. Fatigue crack growth simulation was performed using an in-house developed user-defined subroutine (UMAT). The numerical results reveal a crack stopping in the corrugated DCB, no crack stopping in the corrugated CLS and a reduction of crack growth rate in the bonded/bolted CLS for both static and fatigue loads. The methods and the findings of the present study can be used for the design of crack stopping features in adhesively bonded primary composite aircraft structures.