Progressive damage analysis of composite structures remains problematic, holding back the full potential of these materials. Widely used continuum damage models feature a heuristical stiffness reduction to reflect damage, resulting in an unrealistic representation of damage patterns. To the end of a more realistic failure representation, this paper proposes a blended methodology for progressive damage analysis of such structures implemented in ABAQUS, combining continuum damage models with a more physically based approach from a fracture mechanics perspective. Matrix cracks are modelled through the eXtended Finite Element Method and delaminations through a cohesive zone model. Validation of the blend on an experimental campaign of open-hole tensile tests shows remarkable predictive capability, in good conformance to experimental failure loads, digital image correlation and acoustic emission measurements - particularly yielding more realistic damage patterns than state-of-the-art continuum damage model implementations. ... Read more

Despite great strides made in understanding and modelling Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (FRPs), their full potential is held back by the inability to accurately predict failure. Contrary to past attempts focused on isolated application of stress-strain and fracture mechanics based failure theories, this research builds upon the existing framework by combining failure theories. To this end, stress-strain based models have been critically evaluated, selected and implemented in Abaqus. Validation by open-hole tensile tests shows good predictive capability, further enhanced through blending in fracture mechanics via the Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) and Cohesive Zone Models (CZMs). ... Read more