An accurate and easy to implement method for predicting matrix crack and plasticity of composites with an efficient search algorithm for LaRC05 criterion

A numerical method by combining extended Finite Element Method and anisotropic plastic model in ABAQUS is proposed to simulate matrix crack and plasticity of composites. The hydrostatic pressure sensitivity is introduced into the method by subroutine USDFLD based on Mohr-Coulomb theory. An efficient search algorithm is proposed for LaRC05 criterion, whose time cost is only 10% of that of original algorithm. Then, the accuracy of proposed method on anisotropic plasticity, hydrostatic pressure sensitivity, nonlinear response, failure strength and crack behavior are proved by simulation under multiaxial load. Thereafter, the failure behaviors of Iosepescu specimens with different fiber orientations and thickness are simulated. In all kinds of specimens, both failure modes and load curves match well with the experiment. The proposed method is accurate on predicting the matrix crack and plasticity of unidirectional composites, and is easy to be implemented in ABAQUS more importantly.