Discrete Damage Modeling for a Transverse Compression Experiment of a Polymer Matrix Composite

Strengthening the fundamental understanding of micromechanical methods in continuity is a critical aspect in developing and designing future composite systems. Virtual testing has provided additional understanding of the behavior of materials on a microstructural scale. However, experiments must be executed to determine their validity. Modeling realistic microstructures under realistic loading conditions could help develop physically based micromechanical constitutive laws needed to predict the intrinsic failure. In this study, discrete damage modeling was performed on a microstructure of polymer matrix composite under transverse compressive loading. The discrete damage model utilized a Regularized eXtended Finite Element Methodology (RXFEM formulation to initiate cracks, a Cohesive Zone Methodology (CZM) was used to simulate crack propagation, as well as debonding between the fibers and matrix. The discrete damage model provides insight to the microstructural behavior under transverse loading and correlates well with experiment.