An automated finite element analysis of the initiation and growth of damage in carbonfibre composite materials

The analysis and prediction of the development of damage in composite materials up to the point of final failure is important in the assessment of whether composite structures and components are fit for their purpose. Progressive damage modelling, using finite element analysis, has demonstrable potential as a tool for this.

If this approach is to be of real value, it needs to be automated so that the application of specialist knowledge is minimized. The ABAQUS finite element (FE) code has been used to develop fully-automated, threedimensional modelling of damage development in carbon fibre composites under tensile loading.

This paper describes the approach used in the development of these models. It covers work on the development of suitable FE meshes, the identification of suitable criteria to control the onset and effects of local damage, and the extension of the methodology to real component geometries.