Progressive Failure Analysis of Fiber Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites

Abstract

Abstract The mechanical properties of composite materials undergo degradation with an increased number of loading cycles. The objective of this paper is to propose a progressive failure analysis approach using Hashin’s criteria. The initiation and propagation of intralaminar failure mechanisms: matrix tension, matrix compression, fiber tension and fiber compression are identified. The stiffness degradation at a specific integration point in the material is observed. Complimentary FE simulations are performed to investigate the progressive failure analysis of composite materials employing Hashin’s criteria. The efficient use of Hashin’s criteria identifies the different failure modes. An attempt is made to demonstrate the interaction mechanism between the intralaminar damage and interlaminar delamination occurring in composite laminates. The effectual use of Hashin’s criteria helps to obtain different damage indices and damage variables using allowable material properties. The proposed new insights of progressive failure analysis approach ensure the high fidelity of these materials in generic aerospace and underwater structures. However, the efficacy of progressive failure analysis for the strain localization problems in composites is still regarded as open for the future advancement of this work