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.