A finite element implementation of a deformation based continuum damage mechanics model

A deformation based Continuum Damage mechanics model is implemented via the Finite Element Model (FEM) analysis technique. A Rule of Mixtures average of damaged and undamaged material is employed to calculate the stiffness matrix of individual elements according to classical lamination theory. An iterative procedure is employed to stabilize the growth of damage for an incremental load increase. The damage growth law requires eight material constants, which are determined from simple tension, compression and shear tests. Failure is defined to occur when the damage in every ply of the structure has attained a critical damage level. Confirmation of the FEM approach in modelling constant stress field damage growth is demonstrated by the accurate reproduction of full range tensile and compressive stress strain curves for (...