A computational approach with surface-based cohesive contact for meso-scale interface damage simulation in 3D braided composites

The yarn/yarn and yarn/matrix interface debonding has been recognized as a vital failure mode of 3 D braided composites. We present in this paper a meso-scale finite element (FE) model, which considers yarn/yarn and yarn/matrix interface debonding, for modeling progressive damage evolution of 3 D braided composites under typical tensile and shear loadings. In this setting, the damage state of braiding yarns and matrix is described through a continuum damage model (CDM) coupled with Murakami damage tensor; a bilinear traction-separation description is employed to govern the yarn/yarn and yarn/matrix interface behavior modeled by surface-based cohesive contact. We thus develop a user-material subroutine VUMAT (ABAQUS/Explicit) for our progressive damage simulation, including stress analysis, failure analysis and material properties degradation scheme. The mechanical properties of 3 D braided composites, and more importantly the damage evolution of interface debonding are thoroughly analyzed. The proposed FE modeling strategy provides a new perspective for the interface response study of other textile composites.