Three Dimensional Continuum Damage Mechanics Model of Progressive Failure Analysis in Fibre-Reinforced Composite

A progressive failure analysis model is presented to simulate the damaging behavior of fiber-reinforced composite laminates. The constitutive equation for damaged composite material is established in the framework of Continuum Damage Mechanics. The nonlinear damage evolution law is applied in this model. The modified Hashin failure initiation criteria in quadratic strain are adopted. The good agreement between the numerical results and the available experimental results shows the validation of the proposed methodology. Nomenclature A = cross-sectional area d = damage variable scalar D = damage variable tensor σ = stress tensor ε = strain tensor C = stiffness matrix W = strain energy Gc,i = critical fracture energy release rate in the ith principle material direction ( 1,2,3i =),f t iσ = tension strength in the ith principle material direction ( 1, 2,3i =),f c iσ = compression strength in the ith principle material direction ( 1, 2,3i =) f ijσ = shear strength in the plane ij ( , 1, 2,3i j =) I