Damage in Short-Fiber Composites: From the Microscale to the Continuum Solid

November 1, 2004

Conference Paper

Damage in Short-Fiber Composites: From the Microscale to the Continuum Solid

Abstract

This paper proposes a multiscale mechanistic approach to damage in short-fiber polymer composites (SFPC). At the microscale, the damage mechanisms are analyzed using micromechanical modeling, and the associated damage variables are defined. The stiffness reduction law dependent on these variables is then established. The macroscopic response is determined using thermodynamics of continuous media, continuum damage mechanics and finite element analysis. Final failure resulting from saturation of matrix microcracks, fiber/matrix debonding, fiber pull-out and breakage is modeled by a vanishing element technique. The model was validated using the experimental data and results from literature, as well as the data determined for a random glass/vinyl ester system.

Revised: June 23, 2011 | Published: November 1, 2004

Citation

Nguyen B.N., B.J. Tucker, and M.A. Khaleel. 2004. Damage in Short-Fiber Composites: From the Microscale to the Continuum Solid. In Proceedings of IMECE 2004: 2004 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress (November 13-19, 2004, Anaheim, California), 47-52. New York, New York:American Society of Mechanical Engineers. PNNL-SA-41425.