Modeling of delamination in fiber-reinforced composite using high-dimensional model representation-based cohesive zone model

Prediction of delamination failure is challenging when the researchers try to achieve the task without overburdening the available computational resources. One of the most powerful computational models to predict the crack initiation and propagation is cohesive zone model (CZM), which has become prominent in the crack propagation studies. This paper proposes a novel CZM using high-dimensional model representation (HDMR) to capture the steady-state energy release rate (ERR) of a double-cantilever beam (DCB) under mode I loading. The finite element models are created using HDMR-based load and crack length response functions. Initially, the model is developed for 51-mm crack size DCB specimens, and the developed HDMR-based CZM is then used to predict the ERR variations of 76.2-mm crack size DCB model. Comparisons have been made between the available unidirectional composite (IM7/977-3) experimental data and the numerical results obtained from the 51-mm and 76.2-mm initial crack size DCB specimens. In order to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed model, the results of the second-order nonlinear regression model using RSM are used for the comparison study. The results show that the proposed method is computationally efficient in capturing the delamination strength.