Numerical modelling of progressive failure in fiber-reinforced polymer composites under quasi-static loading

Abstract

The demand for fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites has been increasing in the last decades due to their excellent mechanical properties when compared to traditional materials. However, this class of materials has a more complex stress-strain response, which requires improved design methodologies. To take advantage of these unique characteristics and efficiently design structures, the usage of finite element analysis to predict progressive failure can be a powerful tool. Hence, in the present study, a method for predicting the initialization and progression of matrix and fibre damage in fibre-reinforced polymer composites was implemented using Puck's failure criterion and the Element Weakening Method (EWM). This numerical approach was validated using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) measurements and monotonic tensile tests to evaluate the ultimate load. The results show that the implemented method is able to predict the strain field at the specimen surface as well as the ultimate load level.