Progressive damage analysis of Z‐pin reinforced composite laminates based on CDM

Abstract A RVE finite element model was developed, and the effective mechanical properties were predicted by analyzing the fine structure of Z‐pin reinforced composite laminates. A new damage criterion based on strain description is adopted, a progressive damage analysis model is established and progressive damage analysis is carried out, which provides a reference for further research on Z‐pin reinforced composites. By applying both longitudinal tensile and in‐plane shear loads to the RVE, the material strength prediction was carried out the damage evolution process was emphasized, and the stress–strain curves of the material as well as the damage modes and damage levels in different regions were finally predicted. From the damage evolution process, it can be seen that the damage in the fiber direction and the damage in the transverse direction appear the earliest and have the highest percentage of failure. Highlights The RVE model was developed and its effective mechanical properties were predicted. A new damage criterion is introduced, a UMAT subroutine is written, and a progressive damage model is developed. Material strength predictions were made for the RVE and the damage evolution process was emphasized.