Progressive Damage Analysis of Laminated Composites using Continuum Damage Mechanics

In this paper, progressive damage and global failure of composite laminates under quasi-static, monotonia loading are investigated using 3D continuum damage mechanics. For this purpose, a finite element program has been developed using an eight-node 2D layered element, including layer-wise plate theory. Damage analysis of a single orthotropic layer under various uniform in-plane and transverse loading conditions, and laminate problems with diffuse damage under simply supported and distributed transverse loading conditions are performed. The effects of modeling parameters such as hardening rule:s and mesh densities along the laminate thickness and in-plane surface on the progressive damage response and global failure are also investigated.