Micromechanical approach to damage mechanics of composite materials with fabric tensors

The purpose of this study is to apply continuum damage mechanics – introduced through the concept of fabric tensors – to composite materials within the framework of the theory of elasticity. A directional data model of damage mechanics for composite materials will be developed using fabric tensors. The introduction of fabric tensors into the analysis of damage of composite materials will allow for an enhanced and better understood physical meaning of damage. The micromechanical approach will be used here to relate the damage effect through fabric tensors to the behavior of composite materials. In this approach, damage mechanics is introduced separately to the constituents of the composite material through different constituents’ damage effect tensors. The damaged properties of the composite system as a whole can then be obtained by proper homogenization of the damaged properties of the constituents.

The derivation of a generalized formulation of damage evolution will be shown here in a mathematically consistent manner that is based on sound thermodynamic principles. Numerical examples will be presented to show applicability. In addition, damage evolution for the one-dimensional tension case is also illustrated.