A damage mechanics model for fatigue life prediction of fiber reinforced polymer composite lamina

A damage mechanics fatigue life prediction model for the fiber reinforced polymer lamina is established. The stiffness matrix of the lamina is derived by elastic constants of fiber and matrix. Two independent damage degrees of fiber and matrix are introduced to establish constitutive relations with damage. The damage driving forces and damage evolution equations for fiber and matrix are derived respectively. Fatigue tests on 0° and 90° unidirectional laminates are conducted respectively to identify parameters in damage evolution equations of fiber and matrix. The failure criterion of the lamina is presented. Finally, the life prediction model for lamina is proposed.