FE model-based construction and progressive damage processes of FRP composite laminates with different manufacturing processes

Many constitutive models incorporated with finite element method, have been developed to predict the elastic damage behavior of FRP composite laminates. In this study, the progressive damage processes of FRP composite laminates manufactured based on different methods were investigated using two FE model-based constructions as multi-layer and single-layer (Koloor et al. [1]). A constitutive model was developed for FRP composite to simulate the elastic-damage to failure behaviors. CFRP and GFRP composites were manufactured based on prepreg/autoclave and vacuum infusion methods, considered for bending experiment, and simulated using both FE constructions. FE results of the CFRP multi-layer model predicted similar bending stiffness and damage zones, while single-layer model overestimated the composite damage behavior. The results of GFRP single-layer model indicated a good agreement with the experiment, while multi-layer model showed mismatch results. The consideration FE model-based construction is recommended as one of the necessary steps in the simulation of FRP composite laminates.