Micromechanical Analysis of Nonlinear Response of Unidirectional Composites: A Fundamental Approach

Micromechanical models with different representative volume elements have been developed to study their ability to predict nonlinear response of unidirectional composites. A simple, square cells type micro-mechanical model similar to those widely used by other researchers is compared with a more advanced 3-phase finite element based micro-mechanical model. The models utilize the “bulk” properties of the matrix without attempting to “tune” the model to fit with experimental response of laminae. This is a more fundamental approach and constitutes a departure from current practice. The models account for shear softening, matrix cracking and the presence of residual stresses. A smeared cracking approach was used to characterize the micro-cracking in matrix. Experimental studies were performed on laminae, laminates and cylinders made from carbon epoxy composites. Experimental comparisons show that the more accurate micro-mechanical model with proper partial cracking options provides good bounds on experimental response with consistent accuracy. A square cells type model however is not consistent in its predictions, thus raising questions about its applicability in any general micro-mechanics based analysis.