A nonlinear cohesive/friction coupled model for shear induced delamination of adhesive composite joint

This paper originally proposes a nonlinear cohesive/frictional contact coupled model for the mode-II shear delamination of adhesive composite joint based on a modified Xu and Needleman’s exponential cohesive model. First, the friction is assumed to increase nonlinearly at the delamination interface when the tangential cohesive softening appears. Second, a non-associative plasticity model based on the Mohr–Coulomb frictional contact law is proposed, which includes a frictional slip criterion and a slip potential function. Third, a return mapping algorithm based on the non-associative plasticity theory is proposed to solve the updated normal and tangential tractions and stiffnesses. It is shown the tangential cohesive traction and stiffness depend on the friction and dilatancy of the delamination interface. Finally, the proposed theoretical model is implemented using three-dimensional finite element analysis by ABAQUS-UEL (user element subroutine) and demonstrated by comparing the finite element results with the analytical results for the $$[0^\circ ]₆$$ , $$[\pm 30^\circ ]₅$$ , $$[\pm 45^\circ ]₅$$ end-notched flexure adhesive composite joints with the mode-II shear delamination. The effects of the friction coefficient, cohesive strength, normal contact stiffness and mesh size on the load–displacement curves and delamination mechanisms of composites are studied. Numerical results show the shear delamination growth is governed by the transition from the decreased tangential cohesive traction to the increased tangential friction, and the frictional effect becomes distinct after unstable delamination for angle-ply laminates.