Three-Dimensional Continuum Damage Model for Polymer Matrix Composites

Abstract

A constitutive model for fiber reinforced composite materials with damage and unrecoverable deformation, which for the first time accounts for thru-the-thickness damage, is presented. The formulation is based on Continuous Damage Mechanics coupled with Classical Plasticity Theory in a consistent thermodynamic framework using internal state variables. A novel formulation of the parameter identification is included in order to describe the main failure modes of polymer matrix composite laminae. The new parameter identification is simpler than those available in the literature. It is also more sensitive and allows for better control of material behavior to match experimental data. Furthermore, it uses material properties that are simpler to test than previous models. The model uses a small number of adjustable parameters, which are identified from available experimental data. Comparisons with experimental data for composite laminates under in plane and torsion loading are shown to validate the model. The new model, although simpler than previous ones, is able to model all experimentally observed behavior of laminates that were previously modeled with more complex models.