Progressive Fatigue Damage Modeling of Cross-ply Laminates, I: Modeling Strategy

The main goal of this research is the fatigue simulation of cross-ply laminates under cyclic tension-tension loading conditions. For this purpose, a progressive fatigue damage model is developed based on two main assumptions. First, it is assumed that off-axis plies are responsible for stress redistribution into the laminate. Second, on-axis plies are responsible for strength reduction and control failure of the laminate. Developed model is capable of predicting the fatigue life and residual strength of cross-ply laminates with a limited experimental data and acceptable accuracy. The results of the model are compared with the experimental data provided in the second part of the present article.