Progressive Damage Analysis of CFRP Laminates Under Three-Point Bending Load

In this paper, a new progressive damage model with a set of progressive stiffness degradation rules was developed. This model combined the three-dimensional Hashin failure criteria with the cohesive zone method to investigate the mechanical behavior of CFRP composites under quasi-static bending loads. A cross-ply([0/90]4s) laminate made of pre-preg Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) composites was manufactured and tested under quasi-static bending loads. The initiation, evolution and interaction of composite damage were captured. The model was implemented in the finite element code to predict typical failure modes of composite materials. The load-deflection curve of the CFRP composite laminate under the three-point bending load was obtained by finite element simulation. The curve of the degradation stage after the ultimate load and the failure mode of the laminate fitted the test results consistently.