A hierarchical coupled multiscale analysis for the tensile damage behavior of notched 3D woven composites

This paper presents a hierarchical coupled multiscale model for evaluating the progressive damage behavior of notched 3D woven composites subjected to the tensile loading. In the present work, the constitute behavior of structural dangerous area is iteratively solved, in conjunction with the finite element analysis (FEA) realized on realistic mesoscale architecture. This two-scale method is capable of simulating the propagation process of macro-meso coupled damage nearby the hole-edge using mesoscale continuum damage model without applying any macroscopic phenomenological failure criterion. Besides the good agreement between the experimental and the predicted stress–strain responses, the experimental phenomenon of the damage initiation location and branching pattern nearby the hole-edge are successfully tracked. The effect of apertures on the notched strength and failure mechanisms is numerically investigated. The present work provides routine support for the numerical study of structural damage behavior of composite materials with complex macro and meso geometries.