Higher-order finite beam models for progressive damage analysis of composite structures based on 3D Tsai-Wu orthotropic damage model

This study investigates the progressive damage analysis of orthotropic composite structures under quasi-static loading using a higher-order beam model coupled with an orthotropic damage model based on the three-dimensional (3D) Tsai-Wu failure criteria. The higher-order beam model is derived within the framework of the Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF), which provides the 3D displacement field of beam model through cross-sectional expansion. Therefore, quasi-3D stress state can be obtained with improved computational costs compared to fully 3D models. Within the CUF framework, the Node-Dependent Kinematics (NDK) approach can be employed to further reduce computational costs without sacrificing too much accuracy. The orthotropic damage model used in this work independently accounts for fiber, matrix, and out-of-plane damage once the Tsai-Wu failure criterion is satisfied. To mitigate mesh dependency issues commonly associated with continuum damage models, the fracture energy regularization technique is incorporated into the damage progression. Comparative analyses of numerical and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed models accurately capture the load-displacement behavior and damage patterns of composite structures, providing an efficient and reliable tool for simulating progressive damage analysis.