A novel progressive failure model for matrix compression using continuum damage mechanics and smoothed particle hydrodynamics

Abstract

Currently, the models implemented in Abaqus for composites materials are 2D in nature, which only accounts for in-plane stresses on the lamina level. Due to this, Progressive Failure Analysis (PFA) of thick laminate composite materials in Abaqus performs poorly in predicting failure in the matrix under compression. To solve this issue, a 3D Continuum Damage Mechanics (CDM) modeling tool is developed in conjunction with the Smoothed Hydrodynamic Particle (SPH) technique to improve accuracy in predicting progressive matrix compression failure. A qualitative evaluation and comparison of the new model and existing model are conducted on a modified compact compression specimen for a unidirectional laminate. Strain energy release rates for mode-1 and mode-2 were determined from experiments and used in the new modeling tool to perform finite element analysis. The new modeling tool was then implemented as a user-defined material (VUMAT) to link with Abaqus/Explicit. The proposed new model and the Abaqus inbuilt model are validated with experimental force versus displacement data. Furthermore, we performed a similar comparison of the new model and the inbuilt model for layups other than unidirectional laminates.