An anisotropic damage model for the description of transverse matrix cracking in a graphite-epoxy laminate

Transverse matrix cracking can trigger delamination in fibre reinforced gra phite-epoxy laminates, which is an important failure mode. Therefore. mater ial models capable of describing transverse matrix cracking are needed for a correct failure analysis of a laminated composite. In this paper an aniso tropic damage model is presented. This model is implemented in a finite ele ment code for use in continuum elements. A T300/976 graphite-epoxy laminate d strip with a central hole is analysed and the results are compared to exp erimental results from Lessard and Chang [L.B. Lessard, F.K. Chang, Compos. Mater. 25 (1991) 44-64]. Also the damage behaviour of a AS4/3502 laminate is studied. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.