Modeling the process of equilibrium crack growth in a composite specimen from the standpoints of the postcritical deformation mechanics

Ensuring the strength and safety of structures requires studying the issues of crack initiation and equilibrium growth. An analogy between the approaches of phenomenological fracture mechanics, which is based on the complete deformation diagrams usage, and crack propagation mechanics is noted. The applying of previously developed postcritical deformation mechanics models, which describes accompanied by softening equilibrium damage accumulation processes, is advisable. On the example of the numerical, with cohesive elements using, simulation of composite specimen interlayer fracture, the realization of the material deformation complete diagram near the crack tip is demonstrated. The calculated loading diagrams are constructed, the points of the postcritical deformation zone initiation and the beginning of crack growth are shown. Relations between softening modulus value and maximum values of load, crack opening and length are revealed. The influence of the loading system rigidity is noted. It is concluded that consideration of the constructions deformation and fracture processes modeling problems using cohesive elements from the postcritical mechanics deformation standpoints is expedient.