Finite element continuum damage modeling of plain weave reinforced composites

Geometrical models needed for finite element discretization of plain-weave fabric-reinforced composites are developed from measurements taken on photomicrographs of single lamina and laminated composites. Then, a meso-level damage model is implemented into ANSYS as a user-defined material model for predicting the non-linear behavior of plain-weave reinforced laminates under tensile loading. The damage model is validated for the tensile response of T300/5208 laminate for four configurations, [10/-10](2s), [0/45/-45/90](s), [30/-30](2s) and [45/-45](2s). Then, the damage behavior of plain-weave fabric-reinforced laminates is analyzed using the proposed damage model in the context of the finite element method. The modes of continuum damage are identified from the analysis. Comparisons with experimental data are provided in order to support validity of the proposed models. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.