Analysis of failure in textile composites via meso-damage mechanics

Damage and failure of textile composites is modelled from perspective of internal architectures. The current study addresses to the non-linearity observed in the samples with dominated matrix deformation and failure. The new and robust concept includes a choice of minimum degraded entity, degradation scheme, definition of crack plane orientation, and a new damage evolution law. The latter is tested against known assumptions on post-critical behaviour of unidirectional (UD) ply. The model distinguishes between the non-linearity attributed to plasticity and to matrix intra-yarn cracking. Eventually, the results are verified against experimental analysis, which incorporates measurements of stiffness, local strain, damage initiation, damage induced stiffness degradation, and crack plane orientation. The modelling is illustrated on the examples of non-crimp fabric (NCF) and braided composites.