A numerical study of progressive damage in unidirectional composite materials using a 2D lattice model

Abstract

In this study, we explored the effects of different softening laws on the modelling of progressive damage in unidirectional composites materials using a 2D lattice model. The lattice model was based on axial springs that accounted for nearest-neighbour interactions. We considered linear and exponential softening laws and assessed their influence on the dynamic fracture response of unidirectional composite materials using two numerical examples. In order to overcome one of the drawbacks inherent to lattice models, i.e., the dependence on lattice cell size, we modified the material constitutive law by introducing a characteristic length parameter. The results obtained are also compared with experimental data reported by other researchers.