Prediction of pseudo‐ductility and structural optimization of nacre‐inspired carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer laminate

Abstract To enhance the ductility of carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites, a variety of nacre‐inspired structures with discontinuities were constructed based on the ratio of overlapping length to CFRP laminate thickness. The damage mechanisms and tensile characteristics of discontinuous laminates were elucidated using finite element analysis and experimental investigation. To anticipate the mechanical behavior of the CFRP laminate, an improved Chang‐Chang failure criteria was devised. Moreover, a model adopts the Benzeggagh‐Kenane criterion on cohesive surfaces for delamination initiation and propagation. The predicted stress–strain values are validated using experimental data under tensile stress. Furthermore, a mathematical model accurately predicted the relationship between the tensile performance of nacre‐inspired laminate and overlapping length. According to the findings, the longer the overlapping length (more than 19.5 mm) is, the lower the pseudo‐ductility. Meanwhile, the shorter the overlapping length (less than 17.5 mm) is, the lower the tensile strength. Furthermore, the laminate exhibits some pseudo‐ductility as well as little decrease in tensile strength when the overlapping length is approximately 18.5 mm. Highlights A mathematical model for predicting the tensile properties of various nacre‐inspired laminates was established. The relationship between the discontinuous structure and the pseudo‐ductility of the nacre‐inspired laminate was revealed. Compared with other similar structural laminates, the laminate with an overlapping length of 17.5 mm has better overall performance. Proposed an improved Chang‐Chang progressive failure criterion that was utilized to simulate and analyze the mechanical response and damage of the nacre‐inspired laminates under tension.