Analysis of Open-Hole Compressive CFRP Laminates at Various Temperatures Based on a Multiscale Strategy

In this paper, a multiscale analysis strategy was proposed to analyze the failure behaviors of open-hole compressive (OHC) CFRP laminates. Micro-level intralaminar failure was defined in the constituents (fiber and matrix) with a modified micromechanics failure theory. In the multiscale stress transformation, the effect of thermal residual stress was considered using constant thermal amplification factor. Meanwhile, macro-level interlaminar failure was defined with cohesive elements. Based on the simulated and experimental results, the sub-laminate scaled OHC laminates of the stacking sequence [45/0/−45/90]_4s were studied at different temperatures. The established multiscale model showed good precision in the strength and failure mode predictions. Transverse throughout damage at the hole section led to the final failure. As the temperature increased, the damage process began at a lower load level and the strength of the laminates decreased significantly. Stiffness reductions and small load drops were more likely to occur before final failure. The differences in the delamination size among all interfaces tended to be smaller. Besides, matrix failure lagged under shear loading conditions if the thermal residual stress was neglected in the multiscale analysis.