Prediction of mixed-mode fracture in particulate composite using a damage criterion

In this paper, a damage-coupled Mooney-Rivlin hyperelastic material model and a damage failure criterion are developed based on the theory of damage mechanics. The model is applied to predict the crack initiation angle and fracture load of particulate composite plate under mixed load. The prediction is achieved by implementing the damage model in a finite element package ABAQUS through its user-specified material subroutine. The inclined angles of the pre-crack are θ = 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75°. The predictions are compared with the test results and found to be in satisfactory agreement.