Validation of a Progressive Fatigue Damage Model for Composite Laminates using Digital Imaging Correlation

摘要

This paper presents an experimental study for the validation of a three-dimensional Progressive Fatigue Damage Model (PFDM) with a carbon fiber/epoxy (AS4/3501-6) material system. Specimens with a central circular hole were selected to represent notched composite structures. Digital Imaging Correlation (DIC) technique is used to monitor the strain fields close to the open hole. The fatigue life predicted by the PFDM model is compared with the experimental data. The strain fields predicted by the fatigue module are compared with DIC measurements. The experimental results are found to be in good correlation with the results from the PFDM model. Delamination is identified as a major failure mode which needs to be incorporated into the PFDM module to enhance the prediction of fatigue life.