RVE-based finite element analysis of mechanical properties and damage evolution in 2D woven carbon fiber composites

two-dimensional (2D) plain carbon-fiber woven composite materials are extensively employed in the fabrication of large-scale wind turbine blades due to their high specific strength and lightweight characteristics. However, their complex internal damage mechanisms necessitate further investigation. In this study, a representative volume element (RVE)-based finite element method is developed to study the mechanical properties and progressive damage behavior of 2D plain woven composites. In conjunction with experimental validation, the effects of fiber volume fraction on the mechanical properties of 2D plain woven composite materials was systematically examined. The simulation results show good agreement with experimental measurements, with discrepancies generally within 10%. The mechanical properties—excluding compressive modulus—exhibit a positive correlation with increasing fiber volume fraction. The damage progression follows a distinct sequence: initial failure initiates in the resin matrix, followed by damage localization at the intersections of the warp and weft yarns, eventually culminating in brittle failure. These findings confirm that the developed RVE-based approach offers a reliable and good framework for predicting both the mechanics and damage evolution of woven carbon fiber composites.