An advanced model for initiation and propagation of damage under fatigue loading – part II: Matrix cracking validation cases

A series of tests were conducted to act as validation cases for the numerical model developed in part I of this paper to predict the initiation and propagation of damage in composite materials. The onset of matrix cracking in [02/θ4]s specimens under tension–tension fatigue loading was studied using acoustic emission (AE) and dye-penetrant enhanced X-rays. The number of cracks identified by significant AE hits correlated well with the number of cracks identified by X-rays. Finite Element simulations of the [02/θ4]s specimens using the model from part I for cohesive interface elements fatigue loading showed a good correlation with the experimental results.