Damage Progression Characterization of GFRP Composite Plates by 3D FE Modeling in Various Loading Conditions

In this paper 2D and 3D damage development models of GFRP composite plates under various loading was investigated .In order to validate the numerical modeling, an experimental measurements predict the response of a number of E-Glass Epoxy laminate specimens in unidirectional layups were conducted under tension, compression and three point bending tests. The numerical simulation was carried out in “ABAQUS” program using the proposed models. In this order, the damage models were considered using dynamic explicit analysis. The outputs of the models consist of stress-strain and loaddeflection curves, and also, deformation contours. They were compared with experimental results. Hashin damage criteria were presented to estimate the ultimate strength of the specimens in comparison to the physical observations in the specimens. The results indicate the accurateness of 3D models relative to 2D models in damage characterization for out-of-plane loading of the composite laminates.