Progressive Damage Analysis of Laminated Composites using Continuum Damage Mechanics

In this paper, progressive damage and global failure of composite laminates under quasi-static, monotonic loading are investigated using ۳D continuum damage mechanics. For this purpose, a finite element program has been developed using an eight-node ۲D 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 rules and mesh densities along the laminate thickness and in-plane surface on the progressive damage response and global failure are also investigated.