Study of damage evolution in composites using damage mechanics and micromechanics

Abstract

A numerical modeling technique was presented to simulate, predict and evaluate progressive damage or failure in a composite structure subjected to an external loading. To this end, a micro/macromechanical approach was proposed along with damage mechanics at the microlevel. The micro/ macromechanical model utilized both the macromechanical analysis and the micromechanical analysis in tandem. The continuum damage mechanics was applied to the microlevel stresses-strains in order to predict damage evolution in a composite structure from the initiation of damage through to complete failure of the structure. Crack initiation and growth in a particulate composite with stress concentration was simulated using the proposed technique, and the results were compared to experimental data. The comparison showed a very good agreement.