Non-linear progressive failure analysis of open-hole composite laminates under combined loading

Gunel M., KAYRAN A.

JOURNAL OF SANDWICH STRUCTURES & MATERIALS, vol.15, no.3, pp.309-339, 2013 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 15 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2013
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/1099636213483651
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF SANDWICH STRUCTURES & MATERIALS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.309-339
  • Keywords: Progressive failure analysis, composite laminates, material property degradation, failure criteria, geometrically non-linear analysis, PLATES
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This article presents a finite element-based study of geometrically non-linear progressive failure analysis of open-hole composite laminates, subjected to combined in-plane and out-of-plane loading. Different ply- and constituent-based failure criteria and material property degradation schemes have been coded in Patran command language and a progressive failure analysis code is developed. Progressive failure analyses of the sample composite laminate, with an open-hole, subject to different combined loading are performed to study the effect of the geometric non-linearity on the first ply failure and progression of failure. For mode independent failure criteria, a method is proposed for the determination of separate degradation factors for fiber and matrix failures which are assumed to occur simultaneously. The results show that under combined in-plane and out-of-plane loading, depending on the load case linear analysis can significantly underestimate or overestimate the failure progression compared to the geometrically non-linear analysis even at low levels of out-of-plane loading.