A three-dimensional damage model has been
developed to simulate the progressive failure of
thin composite structures. Both intralaminar
and interlaminar damage mechanisms have
been considered and the proposed constitutive
model has been developed on the basis of
thermomechanics of the nonlinear irreversible
physical process. The intralaminar damage
modes has been analysed in the context of the
Continuum Damage Mechanics, whereas the
interlaminar damage mode has been analysed
by means of the Cohesive Zone Model. The
objectivity of the numerical discretization has
been assured using the smeared crack
formulation. The proposed damage model has
been benchmarked by means of an experimental
low-velocity impact test taken from the
Literature, reproducing the main damage
mechanisms, i.e. fibre breakage, fibre kinking,
matrix cracking, matrix crushing and
delaminations