Numerical investigation of intrinsic competing damage mechanisms in unidirectional fiber reinforced polymer composites under compression

Abstract

A three-dimensional repeating unit cell (3D-RUC) framework is used to analyze the effect of competing damage mechanisms—fiber failure, matrix plasticity/cracking, and fiber-matrix debonding—on the composite’s compressive behavior. Numerous parametric studies are carried out to investigate the impact of fiber volume fraction, fiber misalignment, and interfacial properties (such as strength, fracture energies, and friction) on compressive behavior. The results show that the compressive strength and kink band characteristics are integrally dependent on the fiber volume fraction, fiber misalignment, interfacial shear strength, interfacial friction, and matrix cracking, highlighting the need to accurately characterize the constituent’s mechanical properties and geometrical features.