Statistically Equivalent Representative Volume Elements for Unidirectional Composite Microstructures: Part II - With Interfacial Debonding

Abstract

In this sequel to the study on microstructures without damage, methods for evaluating the statistically equivalent representative volume element (SERVE) are proposed for fiber-reinforced microstructures undergoing initiation and propagation of damage in the form of interfacial debonding. The microstructural analysis is executed using the Voronoi cell finite element model (VCFEM) in which the interface is modeled using a bilinear cohesive zone law. As introduced in the first article, a combination of statistical and computational tools is proposed to capture the evolving nature of the SERVE with increased loading. The effectiveness of alternative definitions and methods of characterizing the damaging microstructure is examined through numerical simulations.