Abstract In this study, an integrated analytical and computational framework was established to relate the curing process and loading behavior, and the computational method was systematically verified by carrying out the four-point bending test for AS4/8552 composite, which overcame the previous reported separation between the curing molding analysis and damage mechanics analysis of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) composite. During the analysis of curing process, the mechanical strain, thermal expansion strain, and chemical shrinkage strain of the fiber and resin matrix were comprehensively taken into account. Meanwhile, the CHILE model was introduced based on the time-varying evolution of material properties to characterize the changing law of temperature with material parameters, thereby, a coupled thermal–chemical–mechanical analysis model based on time-varying characteristic was established correspondingly. During the mechanical performance analysis, the curing residual stress field was considered as a predefined field, the Hashin failure criterion and Cohesive zone model were used to characterize the intralayer and interlayer damage of the composites, respectively. The results showed that the curing residual stresses not only affect the damage mode and distribution of material, but also reduce the ultimate load of damage failure. The predicted load–displacement curves and damage zone of the CFRP composites under the four-point bending were in good agreement with the experimental results, which verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method in this study.
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