  The use of composite materials for structures subjected to impacts requires a
deep understanding about the dynamic behaviour of the material. To this end, a
physically-based computational micromechanics simulation tool has been
developed to predict failure initiation in a composite ply over a wide range of
strain rates. The computational micromechanics framework incorporates
constitutive models for the fibre, matrix and fibre-matrix interface, which are
partly calibrated with novel micromechanical testing techniques. The simulation
tool was applied to two matrix-dominated deformation modes of the ply:
transverse compression and in-plane shear. The comparison of simulation and
experimental results at coupon level have revealed a change in failure
initiation mechanism of the composite ply with strain rate, which was then
corroborated through observation of the fracture surfaces on the samples.
