A micromechanics based model for rate dependent compression loaded unidirectional composites

Strain-rate effects in a unidirectional non-crimp fabric carbon/epoxy composite are addressed. To allow for kink-band formation including strain-rate and damage such composites, the paper advances recent model focused on compression loading at small off-axis angles. The is based computational homogenization with subscale represented by matrix fibre constituents finite deformation. constituent assumed to be elastic transversely isotropic viscoelastic-viscoplastic degradation. Novel improvements of special importance relate isostress formulation homogenized response transverse shear. In this context, an enhanced proposed Halpin–Tsai corrections account nonuniform stress distribution microscale. captures strongly rate sensitive due localized shearing rotation, confirming experimentally observed increase compressive strength high strain rates.