Modeling of delamination initiation and propagation in composite laminates under monotonic tensile loading using the progressive damage modeling technique

Abstract

This paper introduces the preliminary validation of a 3-D numerical model based on the progressive damage modeling technique. Similar models have been reported in recent literature, attempting to study interlaminar stress distribution, static failure load and fatigue life of laminates, as well as delamination propagation in laminated plates under cyclic loading. The present model is intended to predict delamination initiation and propagation in laminates without stress raisers under monotonic complex loading. The validation process includes a comparative study on the performance of both SOLID46 and SOLID191 elements using the Ansys Finite Element (FE) software, in addition to a study on the use of symmetry conditions in the FE modeling of composites. The main issues involved in the validation are: a) the ability of the model to capture interlaminar stresses near the free edge of the laminate, and b) the accuracy of progressive damage laws in representing delamination propagation in a laminate under monotonic tensile loading. A good correlation was achieved between numerical results and data in the literature for both issues. Also, the study on the use of symmetry conditions showed some singularities in interlaminar stress distribution, in the vicinity of the symmetry plane. Therefore, it was concluded that particular attention should be paid to the interlaminar stress distribution in the zone near the symmetry planes when using solid modeling. © Freund Publishing House Ltd.