Modeling multiple damage mechanisms via a multi-fiber multi-layer representative volume element (M²RVE)

A three-dimensional multi-fiber multi-layer representative volume element (M²RVE) has recently been developed which can capture matrix cracking and fiber-matrix decohesion at the micor-scale and global stress-strain response for in-plane shear loading. The aim of the present work is to incorporate all the possible micro-scale damage mechanisms, namely, fiber failure, matrix cracking, fiber-matrix debonding and delamination in M²RVE subjected to tensile loading. Different loading conditions induce a particular damage mechanism or a combination of damage mechanisms which could be studied via this modified M²RVE. As a test case, the constitutive material response has been predicted for tensile loading via M²RVE and the prediction have been found to be in good agreement with the experimental results.