Micromechanical modeling to determine the compressive strength and failure mode interaction of multidirectional laminates

Computational models to predict the compressive strength of carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites are proposed here, motivated by the failure mechanisms observed in compression tests. Delamination, fiber kink-banding and their interaction are seen to dominate the failure response. An upscaled semi-homogenized laminate model is developed to predict the observed compressive response of multidirectional laminates. A generalized 2-D formulation is presented to determine the interfaces most susceptible to delamination. Subsequently, cohesive elements are added along these interfaces to introduce delamination capability in the model. Predictions of the model are compared against experimental data, and are found to be in agreement with respect to compressive strength and failure modes. Further, the effect of stacking sequence on the compressive strength and failure mode is investigated.