8 - Fatigue life prediction of composite materials based on progressive damage modeling

Abstract

The main goal of this research is the fatigue life prediction of cross-ply laminated composites under cyclic tension–tension loading conditions. For this purpose, a progressive fatigue damage model is developed based on two main assumptions. First, it is assumed that off-axis plies of a cross-ply laminate are responsible for stress redistribution into the laminate. Secondly, it is assumed that on-axis plies of a cross-ply laminate are responsible for strength reduction and final failure of the laminate. Results predicted by the model show a very good correlation with provided experimental data in this research.