Calibration and Validation of Multiscale Model for Ultimate Strength Prediction of Composite Laminates Under Uncertainty

Abstract A methodology to account for the effect of epistemic uncertainty (regarding model parameters) on the strength prediction of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite laminates is presented. A three-dimensional concurrent multiscale physics modeling framework is considered. A continuum damage mechanics-based constitutive relation is used for multiscale analysis. The parameters for the constitutive model are unknown and need to be calibrated. A least squares-based approach is employed for the calibration of model parameters and a model discrepancy term. The calibrated constitutive model is validated quantitatively using experimental data for both unnotched and open-hole specimens with different composite layups. The quantitative validation results are used to indicate further steps for model improvement.