Modelling Progressive Damage in NCF Composites using the Continuum Damage Mechanics Method

Abstract

The damage initiation and evolution in a [0],[90]n non-crimp fabric composite laminate under a compressive load is studied using the continuum damage mechanics (CDM) method. Hashin’s failure criterion is employed to determine the onset of damage. The numerical results obtained with the implementation of the CDM method are analysed against the experimental data obtained from direct compressive tests in bi-axial cross-ply non-crimp fabric laminates, and with the numerical results obtained in previous studies, in which the material properties degradation (MPDG) method was employed. A satisfactory agreement between the CDM and the MPDG method and the experimental data is obtained.