The overall objective of this research is to develop robust strategies for the stress analysis of thick Viscoelastic laminates with matrix cracking. Even with the combination of robust finite element theory and increasingly powerful computers, accurate numerical modeling of thick laminated composites is still challenging due to the large number of individual laminae. Moreover, polymer matrix composites exhibit Viscoelastic behavior with diffuse matrix cracks. When Viscoelastic and damage effects are accounted for, the analysis becomes more complex and computationally more intensive. Therefore, it is critical to develop not only accurate but also efficient techniques for the analysis of thick Viscoelastic laminates. To accomplish the objective of this project, the research will focus on (1) accurate and efficient sublaminate homogenization techniques, (2) a constitutive routine that includes Viscoelastic and damage effects, (3) accurate measures of the degraded elastic and Viscoelastic properties due to matrix cracking and (4) a progressive damage analysis technique utilizing the development in (1), (2), and (3).
