Hybrid multiscale procedure for damage in notched unidirectional composite monitored by thermography

Abstract Design of notched laminates is a challenge issue due to the large number of variables involved in this process. This investigation aims to improve the physical understanding of damage onset and its propagation, up to final failure. A multiscale procedure is proposed, where the micromechanical analytical models are used to estimate the effective properties for finite element macromechanical simulation. Additionally, experimental results from monitoring tensile tests with thermographic camera are also discussed. The multiscale procedure estimations and experimental results are very close, indicating matrix dominating damage. Thermography showed to be able to capture damage onset and its propagation, indicating that this experimental technique can become a useful tool for damage tolerance studies. A parametric study is carried out, indicating that damage onset load is approximately 20% of the rupture load for fibers parallel to the load, independently of plate geometrical dimensions.