Experimental and multi-scale modeling research on the dynamic tensile properties of open-hole CFRP laminates subjected to strain rates of low to medium

In practical applications, carbon fiber-reinforced composite (CFRP) laminates are perforated and subjected to external dynamic loads. In this study, the tensile properties of open-hole CFRP laminates are analyzed by low to medium strain rate experiments and multi-scale modeling approaches. The tests consider four strain rates (1, 10, 100, and 200 s⁻¹) and two stacking sequences ([−45/45]_2 s, [0/45/90/−45]_s). A 3D progressive damage model based on the maximum stress criterion, 3D Hashin criterion, and cohesive zone model is proposed to predict the fiber damage, matrix damage and interface damage of CFRP laminates. The input modulus and strength parameters are determined by the microscale representative volume elements (RVEs) of the composite ply under different loading conditions. The results showed that the tensile strength of open-hole CFRP laminates increases with increasing strain rate and that angle-ply laminates exhibit a higher strain rate sensitivity than quasi-isotropic laminates. The proposed failure criterion and multi-scale modeling approach are sufficient to reveal the effect of perforation on the stress distribution and to describe the progressive damage process of open-hole CFRP laminates. The relative errors between the experimental and simulation results were 1.20%, 3.26%, 2.05% and 7.04% at strain rates of 1, 10, 100 and 200 s⁻¹, respectively. The results can serve as a reference for the design of composite structures.