Development of an anisotropic damage model for orthotropic quasi-brittle materials: application to wood

The objective of this study is to develop a numerical model for the analysis of damage mechanisms in wood and the characterization of its fracture behavior. The initial phase of the process entails a comprehensive examination of extant damage models for quasi-brittle isotropic materials, with a view to adapting them to the distinctive characteristics of wood. The proposed model incorporates the orthotropic of wood, its anisotropic characteristics, and its asymmetric behavior under different loading modes in relation to the longitudinal fiber axis (grain direction). Furthermore, the model incorporates a range of fracture criteria, based on the specific properties of this material. Validation of the model is achieved through a series of experimental tests on defect-free wood, including compression and direct tension tests, as well as fracture tests in modes I and II. These tests allow for the determination of the requisite parameters for model calibration and, moreover, for the comparison of the model’s predictions with experimental data, thereby evaluating its capacity to replicate wood behavior under various loading conditions. The results demonstrate that the model accurately reflects wood behavior across the various loading cases tested.