Multiscale modeling for long-term life prediction of CFRP structures under cyclic loading

Long-term life prediction of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) structures under cyclic loading is performed by multiscale modeling as the combination of fiber scale, layer scale, and structure scale. The concept of failure index for fiber and matrix based on the micromechanics of failure theory (MMF) developed by Sung-Kyu Ha is introduced for the determination of the failure corner in structure, failure layer in laminates, and failure mode of fiber or matrix. The accelerated testing methodology (ATM) developed by the authors is used for long-term life prediction of CFRP structures. An MMF/ATM method combined with MMF and ATM is applied to the long-term life prediction of open hole compressive CFRP laminates under cyclic loading as well as static loading. Then the predicted results are compared with the experimental ones. Results clarified that MMF/ATM method is useful for the long-term life prediction of CFRP structures under static and cyclic loading because the results mutually agree well. © 2017, Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature.