VCCT for Abaqus

A capability within Abaqus that provides delamination/ debonding analysis capabilities for structures containing bonded surfaces

VCCT for Abaqus is a capability within Abaqus/Standard that analyzes brittle interfacial crack propagation due to delamination/debonding using the Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT). VCCT is a well-known public domain postprocessing and remeshing technique that provides progressive crack growth between bonded surfaces based on the fracture toughness of the bond and the strain energy release rate at the crack tip. VCCT for Abaqus is based on patented technology licensed by Abaqus that allows VCCT to be calculated at runtime rather than as a postprocessing exercise.  It provides the user with complete functionality for analyzing and understanding the stiffness, strength, damage tolerance, and residual strength of bonded composite structures.

VCCT for Abaqus complements the extensive fracture mechanics capabilities in Abaqus including contour integral calculations and cohesive elements. Further, it is compatible with other well-known strengths in Abaqus including contact, composites, material models, and other nonlinear capabilities. VCCT for Abaqus utilizes the convergence and stabilization algorithms and the existing load incrementation capabilities in Abaqus.

Key Advantages

• Supports active delamination/debonding between bonded surfaces as your model is loaded to allow evaluation of structural strength and failure modes due to static overload
• Calculates crack growth based on fracture mechanics
• Includes mixed mode crack growth using one of three popular mode mix criteria
• Computes intermediate crack shape and crack tip location is computed during loading
• Allows VCCT to be performed during nonlinear analysis
• Provides load-dependent mode separation
• Does not require a specialized postprocessor – Abaqus/Viewer post processes all VCCT for Abaqus results
• Applies VCCT calculated at runtime so remeshing, reanalysis, and standalone postprocessing is not necessary (unlike traditional VCCT)

Note: Beginning with Abaqus 6.8, VCCT for Abaqus is an intrinsic feature of Abaqus/Standard and free of charge. No additional license is required.