Composite multiscale failure criteria and damage evolution

A new composite multiscale failure criteria based on mechanical failure mode was proposed, failure modes of fiber and matrix were characterized at the meso level, in which the fiber failure was divided into tension failure and compression failure, as well as the matrix failure was divided into dilatation failure and distortion failure. Corresponding failure criteria and damage evolution method were established. By means of square and hexagon representative volume element (RVE) models, mechanical stress amplification factors and thermal stress amplification factors which relate macro stresses and meso stresses were calculated. IM7/5250-4 composite tensile experiments were taken as an example to verify the failure model. Simulation results fit well with experiment results, which shows that the multiscale failure criteria is able to precisely forecast the failure of composite laminates.