Strength Analysis of CFRP Composite Material Considering Multiple Fracture Modes

The strength characteristic of CFRP composite materials often is dependent on the internal micro-structural fracture mode. Therefore, in order to precisely predict this strength, each fracture mode and its mutual influence must be taken into account in a simulation.

In this paper, intra-ply fracture progression and load characteristics of a cyclic loading test were analyzed, utilizing a material model proposed by Ladeveze et al. The model can evaluate different fracture modes and the stiffness degradation resulting from them. The analyzed results were compared with actual test results to confirm the validity of the analysis. Another analysis was performed without considering the mutual influence of the different fracture modes, and the results were compared to discuss the necessity of the coupling.