A progressive damage model for predicting damage evolution of laminated composites subjected to three-point bending

Based on the Hashin-type failure criteria and cohesive zone method, a new progressive damage model with a set of gradual stiffness degradation rules was developed to investigate the flexural behavior and the damage evolution of laminated composites subjected to three-point bending. Eight kinds of failure modes were considered for damage evolution in the present model. Compared the analysis results of the present model and Linde's model with the results of three-point bending experiments, it was found that both stiffness and the maximum strength obtained from the present model were in accordance with experimental results. The relative errors of stiffness and the maximum strength between the present model and the experiments were −0.35% and 0.75%, respectively. The degradation stages of the load-deflection curve after the ultimate load can be well predicted by the present model with relative load errors less than 12.5% and relative deflection errors less than 8.5% for four characteristic points of the degradation stages. Both final predicted failures and damage evolution were in good agreement with the damage micrographs observed from the failed specimens.