Modeling the inelastic deformation and fracture of polymer composites-Part II: Smeared and crack model

P. P. Camanho*, M. A. Bessa, G. Catalanotti, M. Vogler, R. Rolfes

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

134 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper describes and validates a new fully three-dimensional smeared crack model to predict the onset and propagation of ply failure mechanisms in polymer composites reinforced by unidirectional fibers. The failure criteria are used to predict not only the onset of the failure mechanisms but also the orientation of the fracture plane. This information is used in a smeared crack model for transverse cracking that imposes a linear softening relation between the traction acting on the fracture planes and the crack opening displacements. The longitudinal failure mechanisms are represented using bi-linear softening relations. The model is validated using off-axis compression tests performed in unidirectional specimens as well as using tensile tests in notched multidirectional laminates. A good correlation between experimental observations and numerical predictions is obtained.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)36-49
Number of pages14
JournalMechanics of Materials
Volume59
Early online date21 Dec 2012
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Instrumentation
  • General Materials Science
  • Mechanics of Materials

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