MODELLING THE DAMAGE EVOLUTION IN UNIDIRECTIONAL ALL-CARBON HYBRID LAMINATES

A finite element model was developed to simulate the damage evolution in unidirectional (UD) all-carbon hybrid composites subjected to tensile loading. The finite element model exploits translaminar embedded cohesive elements governed by a unimodal Weibull strength distribution in the Low-Strain (LS) plies to simulate fragmentation. Interlaminar cohesive elements simulate the Low-Strain (LS) and High-Strain (HS) plies interfaces. The numerical analyses highlighted the evolution of the tensile behavior from pseudo-ductile to catastrophic delamination by changing the LS/HS thickness ratio. The distribution of translaminar strength of the LS material and the number of cracks simulated have a key role in the numerical mechanical response. The model had good agreement to experimental data for tensile behavior of thin-ply all-carbon hybrid laminates.