A blended continuum damage and fracture mechanics method for progressive damage analysis of composite structures using XFEM. (15th January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van Dongen, Björn; van Oostrum, Alexander; Zarouchas, Dimitrios
• Is Part Of: Composite structures. Volume 184(2018)
• Page Start: 512
• Page End: 522
• Publication Date: 2018-01-15
• Subjects: Composites -- Finite element analysis -- Damage mechanics -- XFEM -- Cohesive zone modeling; Composite construction -- Periodicals; Composites -- Périodiques; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2017.10.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-8223

Abstract

Abstract: Progressive damage analysis of composite structures remains problematic, holding back the full potential of these materials. Widely used continuum damage models feature a heuristical stiffness reduction to reflect damage, resulting in an unrealistic representation of damage patterns. To the end of a more realistic failure representation, this paper proposes a blended methodology for progressive damage analysis of such structures implemented in ABAQUS, combining continuum damage models with a more physically based approach from a fracture mechanics perspective. Matrix cracks are modelled through the eXtended Finite Element Method and delaminations through a cohesive zone model. Validation of the blend on an experimental campaign of open-hole tensile tests shows remarkable predictive capability, in good conformance to experimental failure loads, digital image correlation and acoustic emission measurements - particularly yielding more realistic damage patterns than state-of-the-art continuum damage model implementations.