Analyzing the failure and damage of FRP composite laminates under high strain rates considering visco-plasticity

In order to analyze composite structures under dynamic condition or model manufacturing processes in which high strain rates exist, it is important to develop a constitutive model that regards these effects. In this work, a phenomenological approach is used to formulate a continuum damage for composites in presence of high strain rates. Visco-plastic behavior of the composite is taken into account and the deformation of composite structures under dynamic conditions is studied. Effects of dynamic conditions on the material properties including strength and fracture toughness are included in the modeling. The model can capture the effects of strain rate on material behavior and has a good capability in the prediction of the response and final strength of composite laminates in comparison with the experimental data under medium and high rates.