A Phase-Field Fracture-Based Multi-Scale Framework for Damage and Failure Prediction in Hybrid Composites

This thesis develops a unified multi-scale finite element framework based on the phase-field method (PFM) to predict damage and failure in hybrid composite materials. PFM is employed as the primary tool for modelling matrix cracking, while fiber failure and delamination are captured using a 3D Hashin damage model and cohesive zone modelling, respectively. Micro-scale PFM-based RVEs are used to obtain homogenized properties for macro-scale simulations. The framework is validated against tensile, static flexural, and low-velocity impact experiments on pseudo-ductile composites, demonstrating accurate prediction of stiffness, strength, crack evolution, energy absorption, and dynamic response under quasi-static and dynamic loading.