A progressive damage mechanics algorithm for life prediction of composite materials under cyclic complex stress

Abstract: A non-linear ply-to-laminate approach to analyze failure onset and damage propagation in generic laminates under multiaxial cyclic loading is presented. The FADAS (Fatigue DAmage Simulator) algorithm implements on the one hand simple phenomenological models to describe strength and stiffness loss at each ply due to fatigue and on the other hand adequate failure criteria to predict damage progression triggered by different failure mechanisms. The numerical model is suitable for predicting strength and stiffness of the laminate after arbitrary cyclic loading. Validation of theoretical results was performed by comparing with constant and variable amplitude fatigue data and residual static strength after fatigue from multidirectional glass/epoxy laminates. The agreement was satisfactory with most of the test results.