XFEM modelling of single-lap Kenaf fibre composite hybrid joints under quasi-static loading

• Main Authors: Lee, Sim Yee, Ahmad, Hilton
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor and Francis 2019
• Subjects: TA401-492 Materials of engineering and construction. Mechanics of materials
• Online Access: http://eprints.uthm.edu.my/3858/1/AJ%202019%20%28193%29.pdf; http://eprints.uthm.edu.my/3858/; https://doi.org/10.1080/14658011.2018.1541670
• Institution: Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

The present paper aims to predict the bearing stress at failures of woven fabric kenaf fibre reinforced polymer with single-lap hybrid joints under quasi-static testing. Testing series investigated includes a variation of joint types, normalised W/d, lay-up types, plate thickness and bolt loads. Initially, cohesive failures appeared within adhesive layer, followed by nettension failure mode in all testing series investigated associated with stress concentration. Strength prediction was carried out subsequently by implementing XFEM framework with an embedded traction-separation relationship within ABAQUS CAE. The experimental datasets and XFEM results were evaluated where good agreements were found in the combination of cross ply and thicker coupon with a discrepancy of less than 5%.