Leon Herrmann

Composite materials are critical in high-performance applications due to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratios and customizable properties. They are widely used in aerospace, automotive, and civil engineering. However, their complex structure makes them susceptible to various damage mechanisms, such as tunnel cracking and delamination, which can significantly affect their structural integrity. Accurate damage prediction is essential for effective use and maintenance. Traditional methods often rely on extensive experimental testing, but finite element analysis (FEA) has become a valuable alternative. Abaqus is particularly effective for modeling composite damage due to its comprehensive material modeling and customizable subroutines. The research presented utilizes Abaqus to develop a model for predicting Stiffness Degradation Composites laminates with arbitrarily oriented cracks, offering valuable insights into damage progression and stiffness loss under various loading conditions. To achieve this, UEL, UMAT, and DISP subroutines are used. Additionally, a Python script is provided to import the model into Abaqus.