Finite Element Analysis of Damage in Fibrous Composites Using a Micromechanical Model
Abstract
The objective of this investigation is to study the damage mechanics of composite structures using a micromechanical approach for determining strength and stiffness degradation of the composite structures as damages, such as matrix cracking and fiber breakage, progress. The micromechanical cell method provides for analysis of stress at the fiber and matrix level while providing smeared composite properties for global structural analysis. As a result, the damage and failure criteria are expressed in terms of the fiber and matrix stress level of the composite structure. A correlation for stiffness reduction due to transverse cracking of a ceramic matrix composite under tensile loading is implemented in a three-dimensional finite element model. Next, thermal residual stresses from fabrication of the ceramic matrix composite are incorporated into the analysis. Finally, the finite element method is applied to a polymer matrix composite laminate with a center hole in order to study the progression of damage and final failure during tensile loading. The comparisons between the present predictions and the experimental results for the previous examples are very good.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA277226
Entities
People
- Joseph M. Berner
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School