Interfacial fatigue debonding retardation in wrapped composite joints: Experimental and numerical study

Debonding crack propagation at the composite-to-steel interface has been found to be an important failure mechanism for wrapped composite joints under static and fatigue loads. Friction behind tip may deviate debonding of from linear-fracture-mechanics behaviour. This paper presents tests axial joints. 3D DIC optical fiber system is employed monitor displacements propagation. A finite element model established validated against test results, where friction considered cracked interface. Through FE modelling, it proved that significantly reduce strain energy release rate (SERR) tip, leading retardations growth stiffness degradation. Parametric study conducted finally investigate influence coefficient, modes as well Paris relationship parameters on predicted behaviour