An investigation of matrix damage in composite laminates using continuum damage mechanics

The comparison of existing models with experimental data showed that shear damage is currently not suitably described. Accordingly, a shear damage evolution model was proposed that included the effect of internal traction and crack closure on the in-plane shear modulus. The numerical predictions of the modified shear model resulted in good agreement with experimental data by predicting the same saturation crack density, axial and shear responses.