A step-size independent method for finite element modeling of damage in composites

The solutions of damage progression models are known to be highly step-size dependent. This paper develops a new algorithm to predict damage, within a problem at a given load, which is not step size dependant. Two different cases have been studied using the current load incremented solution methods and the new algorithm. The algorithm is shown to produce similar results when compared to the load incremented solution methods, when they utilise a small enough step size to ensure a converged solution. It is therefore concluded that the new failure algorithm can save time by providing confidence that a correctly converged solution has been found without the need to carry out an iterative check on the effect of step size.