Fracture analysis of a three-dimensional functionally graded beam

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to carry out a delamination fracture analysis of the three-dimensional functionally graded split cantilever beam (SCB) configuration.

Design/methodology/approach

The fracture behaviour was studied analytically in terms of the strain energy release rate by applying methods of linear elastic fracture mechanics. It was assumed that the material is functionally graded along the beam width, height and length. The strain energy release rate was derived by analysing the stress and strain state in the beam cross-sections ahead and behind the crack front. An additional analysis of the strain energy release rate was performed by considering the beam strain energy for verification.

Findings

The influence of material gradient along the beam width, height and length on the delamination fracture behaviour was investigated. The effect of crack length was analysed too. The analytical approach developed is very useful for parametric fracture investigations. The results obtained in the present study can be applied for optimisation of three-dimensional functionally graded beam systems in their design with respect to delamination fracture behaviour.

Originality/value

An analytical approach for studying the delamination fracture in the SCB configuration that is functionally graded along the beam width, height and length was developed.

Citation

Rizov, V. (2018), "Fracture analysis of a three-dimensional functionally graded beam", International Journal of Structural Integrity, Vol. 9 No. 1, pp. 93-106. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSI-12-2016-0037