Analysis of microstructure damage in carbon/epoxy composites using FEM

• Published in: Computational materials science Vol. 64; pp. 168 - 172
• Main Authors: Bieniaś, J., Dębski, H., Surowska, B., Sadowski, T.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.11.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Carbon/epoxy composites; Composites; Computer simulation; Crack initiation; Damage; Exact sciences and technology; Failure of composites; Finite element method; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Interfaces; Mathematical models; Mechanical properties; Microstructure; Numerical analysis; Physical properties; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymer matrix composites; Properties and testing; Technology of polymers; XFEM; Finite element method; Interfaces; Failure of composites; Carbon/epoxy composites; XFEM; Fiber reinforced material; Epoxy resin; Cracking; Modeling; Tension test; Composite material; Test method; Crack tip; Carbon fiber reinforced plastics; Microstructure; Damaging; Carbon fiber
• ISSN: 0927-0256; 1879-0801
• DOI: 10.1016/j.commatsci.2012.03.033

► High conformity of the numerical simulation with experimental results were obtained. ► Initiation of composite material damage takes place at the fibre/matrix interface. ► Fibre/matrix interface damage, reinforcement and matrix cracking lead to complete failure of composite. This work presents a numerical analysis of damage of composite materials with polymeric matrix reinforced with carbon fibres subject to static tension. Verification of numerical analyses was conducted with experimental methods – strength tests and microstructural observations. The methodologies applied were: the material damage modelling methodology based on XFEM (eXtended Finite Element Method) and contact interactions in a fibre–matrix connection layer using the CZM method (Cohesive Zone Method – Surface-based Cohesive Behaviour). ABAQUS/Standard software was the applied numerical tool. Microstructural analysis and numerical simulations indicate the fact that initiation of composite material damage takes place at the interface as a result of cracking and loss of fibre/matrix connection. This results in weakening of the composite microstructure in this area through the initiation of a reinforcement cracking process, which leads to further structural degradation, consisting in propagation of matrix cracking and, as a result, complete damage of the composite structure. The presented research of carbon/epoxy composite damage confirmed the adequacy of the prepared numerical model.