Numerical characterization of compressive response and damage evolution in laminated plates containing a cutout

A micromechanical constitutive model [Liang Z, Lee HK, Suaris W. Micromechanics-based constitutive modeling for unidirectional laminated composites. Int J Solid Struct 2006;43:5674–89], based on the concept of the ensemble-volume average for laminated composites, is implemented into a finite element program to numerically characterize the compressive response and damage evolution in laminated plates containing a cutout. Prior to the implementation of the model into the finite element program, the predicted moduli of laminated composites are compared with analytical bounds and experimental data for the validation and verification of the constitutive model. A series of numerical simulations for a uniaxial test of laminated plate specimens containing a cutout are conducted using the implemented constitutive model. The predictions are compared with experimental data [Lessard LB, Chang FK. Damage tolerance of laminated composites containing an open hole and subjected to compressive loadings: Part II-Experiment. J Compos Mater 1991;25:44–64; Chang FK, Lessard LB. Damage tolerance of laminated composites containing an open hole and subjected to compressive loadings: Part I-Analysis. J Compos Mater 1991;25:2–43] to verify the accuracy of the implemented constitutive model. A parametric study is also carried out to illustrate the influence of the geometry of the specimens on the behavior of laminated plates. It is shown that the implemented constitutive model is suitable for the analysis of the constitutive behavior of laminated plates having a dilute or moderate fiber volume fraction.