CDM three-dimensional numerical model for notched strength of composite laminates

A three-dimensional damage numerical model was proposed based on continuum damage mechanics (CDM) to deal with problem of the notched strength of composite laminates. This model was able to distinguish different failure modes of in-plane damage (fiber failure, inter fiber failure) and interlaminar delamination damage. Three-dimensional Puck criterion and Aymerich criterion were used to judge two kinds of damage above. The damage was evolved based on the linear softening model of CDM after material failure. The in-situ effect and the shear nonlinear behavior of composite laminate sublayers were considered in the model. The tensile strength of notched AS4/3501-6 laminate tested by Carlsson was numerical simulated. The results show that the analysis results are in good agreement with the test results. The analysis results prove that the present model is capable of predicting the in-plane tensile strength of notched composite laminates.