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Abstract

Two competing micromechanical models, viz. a simple square cell model (SSCM) and a finite element-based cylindrical model (FECM) are studied in comparison to assess the discrepancies that exist between them in the prediction of nonlinear behavior of composites. As a first step, FECM presented earlier in the context of elastic material response is now extended to deal with material nonlinearity. Simplifications are suggested to achieve the double goal of accuracy and efficiency. The paper then illustrates and quantifies the discrepancies between FECM and SSCM in respect to a common source on nonlinearity in composites, viz. the shear softening of the matrix. Limitations of the currently popular approach of "tuning" an inherently simplified model using test data are pointed out and discussed.

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A Comparative Study of Micromodels for Nonlinear Analysis of Laminae

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