A damage evolution model for viscoelastic composite laminates

A damage model for polymeric composite laminates operating at elevated temp eratures is proposed. Viscoelastic behavior of the material is accounted fo r via the correspondence principle, and a variational approach is adopted t o compute the temporal stresses within the laminate. Also, the effect of ph ysical aging on ply level stress and on overall laminate behavior is includ ed. An important feature of the model is that damage evolution predictions for viscoelastic laminates can be made. This allows us to track the mechani cal response of the laminate up to large load levels; though within the con fines of linear viscoelastic constitutive behavior.