Progressive non-linear damage of variable angle tow composite plates by a Ritz approach

In this work a Ritz model for progressive non-linear damage analysis of variable angle tow composite plates is presented. The damage is treated in the framework of continuum damage mechanics and its evolution is based on a linear softening law with which four damage indices are computed for degrading the mechanical properties of the material. A set of analyses have been carried out to investigate how damage evolves in VAT composite plates under progressive loading.