Evaluation of the matrix cracking formation in a cross-ply composite laminate under uniform tension load

One of the important issues about the composite materials in different loading conditions is the onset and propagation of matrix cracking damage mode, which affects the functionality of these materials significantly. In the present study a novel computational method is proposed for predicting the initiation and propagation of small 2-D cracks which finally will cause the fracture in 90° layer in a [0/90/0] composite laminate. By exerting a uni-axial loading to a cross ply composite laminate in which the 90° lamina consists of different random representative volume elements (RVE’s), the possibility of microcarcking initiation and matrix cracking formation will be examined. To this end, the benefits of cohesive zone model via cohesive surface method is applied.