Numerical investigation of matrix cracking propagation in cross-ply laminated composites subjected to three-point bending load using concurrent multiscale model

The purpose of the present study is to analyze fiber-matrix debonding and induced matrix cracking formation as two major micromechanical damage modes in cross-ply composite laminates using a two-dimensional numerical approach. To this aim, the cross-ply laminates containing 90-degree layers are modeled, where the fibers are arranged randomly in transverse plies. Damage modes in this numerical model are simulated by the cohesive surface method. The performed analyses reveal that in the laminates with 90-degree layers located in the outer positions, the primary micro damage mode is micro matrix cracking which is initiated from the fiber-matrix debonding damage mode and will be followed by matrix cracking. The main benefit of the present study in comparison to other numerical methods is proposing a virtual test method for damage analysis of different cross-ply laminates in which, the matrix cracking formation will emerge physically in a random and antisymmetric pattern similar to the experimental observations.