Micromechanical Analysis of Damage Mechanisms under Tension of 0o-90o Thin-ply Composite Laminates

Abstract A micromechanical model is used to investigate ply thickness effect on damage evolution of thin-ply laminate carbon fiber reinforced laminate under transverse tensile load. Representative volume element (RVE) for 900 lamina are constructed and sandwiched between two homogenized zero degree plies. Four different thicknesses for 90o RVEs including 30, 60, 90, and 120 μm are considered for analysis. The three dimensional (3D) computational micromechanics are combined with augmented finite element method (AFEM) to provide high-fidelity results of damage evolution. Random arrangement for fibers and normal distribution for interface toughness and strength are considered within RVEs. Damage evolution in different RVEs under tensile loading are discussed and compared. The results show that decreasing 90o lamina thickness alters damage progression mechanism and suppresses cracking within matrix loading. A detailed comparative discussion on the influence and importance of material parameters as well as void/defects on the process of cracking are given.