S. Horta Muñoz, M. Serna Moreno
This work investigates the behavior of unidirectional composite materials through a microscale modeling approach, with a particular focus on crack initiation and propagation under transverse and shear loading. Representative Volume Elements (RVEs) are used to model unidirectional plies with varying geometrical configurations, altering both the relative angles between fibers and the distances between them. Simulations are carried out in ABAQUS/Standard, applying periodic boundary conditions (PBCs) to accurately represent the microstructure and integrating cohesive surfaces at the fiber–matrix interfaces to model interactions and failure at these junctions. Additionally, the Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) is employed to analyze in detail the initiation and propagation of cracks associated with matrix fracture.
This study advances the understanding of the relationship between microstructure and failure mechanisms, offering tools for the design and optimization of composite materials with improved fracture resistance under multiaxial loading conditions. The results show that the relative angle between fiber centers plays a critical role in determining failure mechanisms at the ply level.
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Accepted on 23/06/25Submitted on 14/04/25
Licence: Other
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