Micromechanics-based predictive model for compressively loaded angle-ply composite laminates

A micromechanics-based analysis to predict damage initiation in compressive ly loaded symmetric angle-ply laminates is described. The finite element me thod in conjunction with the commercial code Abaqus is used to solve the go verning system of equations. The results obtained for the predictions are c ompared against a set of experimental results previously made available for AS4/3402 symmetric angle-ply laminates. A unified model that captures dama ge initiation and that describes failure mode transition as a function of p ly angle is reported. The prediction of the model is found to compare favor ably against the experimental data.