Bridging the scales: Continuum-based material constitutive modeling of mechanical and ballistic test data from composites and fabrics

•A new continuum-level material modeling approach for composites/fabrics is presented.•Model relates stresses/strains between elements, individual laminae, and fibers/matrix.•The approach can reproduce a composite's response to a variety of stress states.•Ballistic limits, damage extents, and deflections from composite/fabric targets were also predicted. Modeling fiber-reinforced composites and fabrics in ballistic applications can be difficult after the initiation of damage and failure. Mesoscale models can provide accurate results, but they are much more computationally intensive than standard continuum approaches. However, an accurate continuum model for these materials requires a thorough understanding of the relevant deformation and failure mechanisms. A new continuum modeling approach was developed in which the average stresses and strains within a composite containing multiple fiber orientations are related at the element, lamina, and constituent length scales using rules of mixtures. The new approach was used to simulate a variety of mechanical and ballistic test data from different composite and fabric materials. The accuracy of the results demonstrates the predictive capability of the new model to reproduce deformation and damage of composites under generalized loading conditions.