Flexural properties of electrothermal deicing composite laminates: Experimental and numerical study.

The electrothermal deicing composites usually experience flexural deformations, but fewer studies have been done on their flexural properties. In this study, specimens were manufactured by using the autoclave curing and spray metal multi-layer deposition technology. Three-point bending tests were conducted. A progressive damage model using user-defined material subroutine and cohesive elements was proposed to understand the damage evolution. A steady-state heat transfer model was established to obtain the temperature field. It is shown that the damage distributions obtained from the numerical modeling correlate well with experimental observations. • The L-shape shape, heating circuit and laying data of the specimens were designed. • The specimens were made using the autoclave curing and spray metal technology. • A progressive damage model using UMAT subroutine and cohesive elements was raised. • The load–displacement curves, the damage prediction and evolution were obtained. • The finite element model can predict the damage process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]