Composite macro modeling

[anicakabanica]

Hi,

Does anybody know how to model composites in Abaqus on macro level? E.g. unidirectional (+45/-45) composite comprosing of several layers. I performed uniaxial tensile test and want to identify elastic mechanical properties via FEMU. Can I model the specimen with one row shell element (BUT WITHOUT LAYERED SECTION DEFINITION, i.e. no plies) representing homogeneous equivalent model? I would then use engineering constants to approximate material behavior.

Thank you in advance!

 

[FEA way]

Macro-scale modeling of composites means that the composite is modelled as a homogeneous equivalent material. Accurate anisotropic elasticity data is necessary in such case and you have to define material orientation properly. You can use shell as well as solid elements for this purpose but with no layers, as you said. Just a single material definition.