Formulation of a consistent pressure-dependent damage model with fracture energy as input

In this paper, a new methodology for developing consistent pressure-dependent damage models for polymeric materials is presented. Using this method the predefined shape of the stress-strain relation of an element with localized deformation under uniaxial tension can be exactly reproduced which enables further to recover the exact amount of energy dissipation consistent with the input toughness. The methodology is demonstrated for two different softening laws, namely linear and exponential softening. These models are applied to the damage analysis of unidirectional continuous fiber-reinforced composites. The formulation is validated by simulation of a test for Mode-I fracture energy characterization and comparing the load-displacement response with that obtained with cohesive elements.