A nonlinear finite element analysis of laminated shells with a damage model

This paper presents a study on the development and validation of a nonlinear finite element model for laminated composite shells, that considers a first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and an explicit through-thickness integration. The model integrates a meso-scale damage analysis that considers progressive matrix and fiber failures. The model is compared with envelopes of experimental curves extracted from 3-point bending test coupons and shows accurate predictions.