2002 Volume 51 Issue 1 Pages 112-117
Matrix hybrid laminates can produce the more extensive mechanical properties rather than the conventional laminated composites, because the matrix hybrid laminate has various parameters, resin ratio, stacking sequence, fiber orientation and so on. However experimental approach needs long period and high cost in the practical designing. In other words, the application of finite element method to the designing is very effective. In case that the mechanical behaviors of the composite materials are predicted, the modeling method of the heterogeneity for the composite materials is important. In this paper, we proposed the new numerical model that considered the heterogeneity in matrix hybrid laminates. In the proposed model, the heterogeneity is expressed by the combination of two different elements. Using the proposed model, the damage propagation analyses under three-point bending load are carried out. The validity of the proposed model is checked by comparison with experimental results. It is confirmed that the proposed model is effective for the prediction of both the bending properties and damage propagation process. Furthermore, the damage propagation mechanisms of matrix hybrid laminates with different fiber orientation and antisymmetric laminates can be also predicted.
