Three-dimensional finite element analysis was used to simulate progressive failure of a plain weave composite subjected to in-plane extension.The loading was parallel to one of the tow directions.The effects of various characteristics of the finite element model on predicted behaviour were examined. The predicted behavior was found to be sensitive to quadrature order, mesh refinement and the material degradation model. Also the sensitivity of the predictions to the tow waviness was studied. The predicted strength decreased considerably with increased waviness. More numerical studies and comparisions with experimental data are needed to establish reliable guidelines for accurate progressive failure prediction.

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A degradation model for predicting the effective homogenized threedimensional elastic constants of an interior ply with transverse matrix cracks was developed by analyzing a three-ply representative volume element using the finite element method. The degradation model was first evaluated by comparing the homogenized extensional modulus for a cracked [0/(90)3]s laminate with experimental results and finite element discrete models in which each crack was modeled discretely. Further, using the degradation model, the prediction of load redistribution for a cantilevered laminated plate with matrix cracks subjected to transverse end load was compared with a discrete crack model. Also, the prediction of load redistribution in a cracked plain weave composite subjected to uniaxial stress was compared with a discrete crack model. The degradation model showed good agreement in predicting the homogenized elastic constants and load redistributions.

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