Comparison of Damage Path Predictions for Composite Laminates by Explicit and Standard Finite Element Analysis Tools

Abstract

Splitting, ultimate failure load and the damage path in center notched composite specimens subjected to in-plane tension loading are predicted using progressive failure analysis methodology. A 2-D Hashin-Rotem failure criterion is used in determining intra-laminar fiber and matrix failures. This progressive failure methodology has been implemented in the Abaqus/Explicit and Abaqus/Standard finite element codes through user written subroutines "VUMAT" and "USDFLD" respectively. A 2-D finite element model is used for predicting the intra-laminar damages. Analysis results obtained from the Abaqus/Explicit and Abaqus/Standard code show good agreement with experimental results. The importance of modeling delamination in progressive failure analysis methodology is recognized for future studies. The use of an explicit integration dynamics code for simple specimen geometry and static loading establishes a foundation for future analyses where complex loading and nonlinear dynamic interactions of damage and structure will necessitate it.

The Effect of Delamination on Damage Path and Failure Load Prediction for Notched Composite Laminates

“…The use of an explicit analysis code for simulating the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics progressive damage of statically loaded specimens is documented in the author's previous work [18] but has much to do with the desire to predict fast running cracks in the future. The progressive damage analysis methodology includes intralaminar and interlaminar damage initiation and progression.…”

“…This led to a 12% over-prediction in failure load. In the authors' previous research [18] it was observed that a modeling approach that included only the intralaminar damage modes, underpredicted the failure load by 20% in an un-stiffened notched tension loaded laminate, where significant delamination was observed experimentally. These results support the inclusion of interlaminar effects in future code development.…”

“…Motivated by the need to more accurately predict the damage modes, and the damage progression in laminated structures, in the current work a PDA approach has been implemented that extends our previous work [18] by including both intralaminar and interlaminar damage modes in the prediction of damage progression. The methodology should be applicable to general damaged or undamaged laminated structures.…”

A Novel Multiscale Physics Based Progressive Failure Methodology for Laminated Composite Structures

“…One criterion used in this investigation is the 2-D Hashin-Rotem (H-R) failure theory [2], which is also used in Ref. [5]. This lamina theory is the simplest, empirical theory that still retains the transversely isotropic nature of unidirectional ber composites.…”

“…A micromechanics model, the Generalized Method of Cells (GMC) developed by Paley and Aboudi [3], is used to evaluate the 3-D Tsai-Hill failure criterion [4] in the matrix phase at the micro-level, and a maximum stress criterion is utilized for ber failure. Results from the two different nite element models are examined and compared with experimental data from Bogert et al [5] in Section .…”