Abstract: A numerical analysis model for progressive failure was constructed to address the problems of quasi-static tensile strength prediction and progressive damage analysis of fiber-reinforced composite laminates containing open holes. The model focuses on the stress concentration relief effect caused by splitting, combines with the finite element analysis software ABAQUS, introduces two columns of zero-thickness cohesive cells distributed along the fibre direction at the crack tip to simulate splitting, and divides the mesh along the fibre direction, which effectively reduces the mesh dependence. The model is applied to quantify the stress relief effect in the stress concentration area, to predict the tensile strength of various open-cell laminates as well as to explore the progressive damage process of open-cell laminates, and to validate the model in comparison with experimental data. The results show that the progressive damage model considering the stress relief effect in the stress concentration zone has better accuracy than other finite element models in calculating the stress concentration factor (SCF) of open-cell laminates, and has reasonable reliability and accuracy in strength prediction and progressive damage simulation.

Key words: composite laminates, progressive damage, finite element analysis, stress concentration factor, tensile strength