A computational model for predicting damage evolution in laminated composite plates

A model is developed herein for predicting the evolution of interface degra dation, matrix cracking, and delamination at multiple sires in laminated co ntinuous fiber composite plates subjected to monotonic and/or cyclic mechan ical loading. Due to the complicated nature of the many cracks and their in teractions, a multi-scale micro-meso-local-global methodology is deployed i n order to model all damage modes. Interface degradation is first modeled a nalytically on the microscale, and the results are homogenized to produce a cohesive zone model that is capable of predicting interface fracture. Subs equently, matrix cracking in the plies is modeled analytically on the meso- scale, and this result is homogenized to produce ply level damage dependent constitutive equations. The evolution of delaminations is considered on th e local scale, and this effect is modeled using a three dimensional finite element algorithm. Results of this analysis are homogenized to produce dama ge dependent laminate equations. Finally, global response of the damaged pl ate is modeled using a plate finite element algorithm. Evolution of all thr ee modes of damage is predicted via interfacing all four scales into a sing le multi-scale algorithm that is computationally tenable for use on a deskt op computer. Results obtained herein suggest that this model may be capable of accurately predicting complex damage patterns such as that observed at open holes in laminated plates.