Simulation of slitting method for calculation of compliance functions of laminated composites

In this research, the process of slitting with an assumed residual stress distribution is simulated to calculate compliance functions of laminated composites. The primary aim of this article is to investigate different parameters influencing the calculation of compliance coefficients for laminated composites using a finite element model. First, using two- and three-dimensional finite element models, the process of slitting in isotropic materials for calculating the compliance coefficients is simulated. The results show a complete agreement between the two models. Also, the results of simulation show that in the modeling of slitting method for laminated composites, real slit width must be considered. That is because composite laminates are generally thin and slitting in these materials results in large slit width to thickness ratio. Finally, the developed simulation method is applied to calculate compliance coefficients for two carbon/epoxy- and glass/epoxy-laminated composites with quasi-isotropic and cross-ply lay-ups using a three-dimensional finite element modeling. For a better precision, a full three-dimensional model without symmetry assumption is considered. The presented method is capable of simulating slitting method in parts and specimens with complicated geometry as well as in orthotropic materials with any degree of orthotropy.