New Developments in the CompDam Fiber Kinking Model for the Interaction

Abstract

This paper describes two new additions to the CompDam fiber kinking model: 1) a failure index for fiber kinking to facilitate interaction between kinking and matrix cracking and 2) a strain-based criterion for fiber rupture to account for fiber breakage before or after fiber kinking. The model formulation is described with the aid of the graphical Considère construction, which is used to determine the conditions for fiber kinking. Verification studies are conducted with single element models to show the behavior of the model in light of the new developments and to evaluate the effect of numerical parameters of the model. The model is used to analyze open hole compression (OHC) specimens with soft, quasi-isotropic, and hard layups. Analysis results are shown for a conventional continuum damage mechanics model using a trilinear constitutive law for fiber damage and for the proposed model to highlight the differences between the two. Comparison with test data highlights the capabilities and remaining gaps in the quantitative prediction of the damage and failure response. While both models can predict many features of the OHC response, accurate prediction of kinking onset in the OHC specimens remains elusive. The results suggest that it is necessary to predict the combined effects of compression and shear loading as well as the structural effects (e.g., ply thickness, strain gradient effect) accurately to match the experimental observations of fiber kinking onset in the three OHC laminates.