Abstract
In this work, a numerical framework for modelling of hygrothermal ageing in laminated composites is proposed. The model consists of a macroscopic diffusion analysis based on Fick's second law coupled with a multiscale FE2 stress analysis in order to take microscopic degradation mechanisms into account. Macroscopic material points are modelled with a representative volume element with random fibre distribution. The resin is modelled as elasto-plastic with damage, and cohesive elements are included at the fibre/matrix interfaces. The model formulations and the calibration of the epoxy model using experimental results are presented in detail. A study into the representative volume element size is conducted, and the framework is demonstrated by simulating the ageing process of a unidirectional specimen immersed in water. The influence of transient swelling stresses on microscopic failure is investigated, and failure envelopes of dry and saturated micromodels are compared.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 360–379 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering |
Volume | 112 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2017 |
Keywords
- Composites
- Damage
- Micromechanics
- Multiscale