FE model-based construction and progressive damage processes of FRP composite laminates with different manufacturing processes

Abstract

Many constitutive models incorporated with finite element method, have been developed to predict the elastic-damage behavior of FRP composite laminates. In this study, the progressive damage processes of FRP composite laminates manufactured based on different methods were investigated using two FE model-based constructions as multi-layer and single-layer (Koloor et al. [1]). A constitutive model was developed for FRP composite to simulate the elastic-damage to failure behaviors. CFRP and GFRP composites were manufactured based on prepreg/autoclave and vacuum infusion methods, considered for bending experiment, and simulated using both FE constructions. FE results of the CFRP multi-layer model predicted similar bending stiffness and damage zones, while single-layer model overestimated the composite damage behavior. The results of GFRP single-layer model indicated a good agreement with the experiment, while multi-layer model showed mismatch results. The consideration FE model-based construction is recommended as one of the necessary steps in the simulation of FRP composite laminates.