ABSTRACT
Application of cohesive zone model methodology to the problem of intralaminar damage is made in Abaqus’ progressive damage approach (PDA). A methodology to determine the critical energy release rates for transverse tension and shear using Abaqus’ PDA is available in. Alternatives to continuum damage mechanics (CDM) include: micromechanics of damage, crack opening displacement methods, computational micromechanics, and synergistic methods. Micromechanics of Damage Models (MMD) find an approximate elasticity solution for a laminate with a discrete crack or cracks. Monte Carlo simulations require additional parameters that have to be adjusted by fitting the results of the model to experimental damage evolution data. Synergistic Damage Mechanics methods combine elements of different modeling strategies such as CDM and MMD, bringing the best features of each of the models involved. The chapter discusses the laminate stiffness reduction is computed via MMD methods and the generalization to multiple cracking laminas is made via CDM concepts, but unlike CDM models, no adjustable parameters are needed.
