Cohesive zone modeling of the autoclave pressure effect on the delamination behavior of composite laminates

Abstract

Current manufacturing processes using resin transfer molding or low-pressure prepreg curing may result in different defects and interfacial properties. The effect of autoclave pressure on the delamination behavior of T800/X850 composite laminates is explored. Cohesive zone model was used to model the delamination of unidirectional composite laminates under short-beam bending. Composites with various interlaminar properties were manufactured using autoclave under cure pressure from 0 MPa to 0.6 MPa. Cohesive zone model was validated using the material parameters of the composite cured under 0.6 MPa. The effect of cohesive zone model parameters including cohesive strength, mode I fracture toughness ( $G_{Ic}$ ), and mode II fracture toughness ( $G_{IIc}$ ) on the delamination behavior and load–displacement response was investigated. Parametric study shows that interlaminar cohesive strength and mode II fracture toughness dominated the initiation of yield and post-yield region, respectively. The correlation between autoclave pressure and mode II fracture toughness was predicted, which is mainly affected by void content.