Open Access

ARTICLE

Mesh Effects in Predictions of Progressive Damage in 3D Woven Composites

R. Valisetty^1,2, A. Rajendran^1,3, D. Grove²

1 Corresponding Author, raj@olemiss.edu, 662 915 5770 (off), 662 915 1640 (Fax)
2 Comput. and Inform. Sciences Directorate, Army Research laboratory, APG, MD 21005
3 Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677

Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences 2010, 60(1), 41-72. https://doi.org/10.3970/cmes.2010.060.041

Abstract

A multi-scale model exhibiting progressive damage is considered for a 3D-woven composite. It is based on the evolution of some fundamental damage modes in a representative volume element (RVE) of a composite's woven architecture. The overall response of a woven composite due to a variety of damage modes is computationally obtained through a transformation field analysis (TFA) that is capable of quantifying the effects of spatial distribution of micro stresses and strains on strength. Since the model is computationally intensive, its numerical requirements are to be understood before it can successfully be used in design studies or in conjunction with Lagrangian explicit codes. This paper examines the effect of the local micro-mesh size on the progression of certain damage modes in 3D-woven composites and the predicted overall response.

---

Keywords

---