Damage Modeling in Composite Structures

Abstract

This chapter presents a comprehensive review on existing approaches for modeling damage in composite structures. Special emphasis is given in robust and reliable constitutive models that enable prediction of failure initiation and failure progression in composite laminates within an unified way. Theoretical and numerical issues related to intra and interlaminar failure modeling are also discussed in detail. The constitutive models formulations presented in this chapter are based on the Continuum Damage Mechanics (CDM) approach and enables the control of the energy dissipation associated with each failure mode regardless of mesh refinement and fracture plane orientation. Within the CDM context, internal thermodynamically irreversible damage variables are defined in order to quantify damage concentration associated with each possible failure mode enabling the prediction of the gradual stiffness reduction for each composite ply. Numerical examples are also provided in order to illustrate the models capabilities. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.

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