A comparison of progressive-failure criteria in the prediction of the dynamic bending failure of composite laminated beams

Abstract

Hou and Hashin criteria were compared under dynamic conditions, analyzing the failure of beams subjected to low velocity impacts in a three point configuration. To accomplish this goal a progressive failure model was implemented in a finite element code to predict the failure modes (fibre tensile failure, fibre compressive failure, matrix cracking, matrix crushing, and delamination), considering both Hou and Hashin criteria. The experimental results, from tests conducted in a drop-weight tower and available in the literature, were used to validate the numerical model. This model, using both criteria, was used to analyse the failure modes of two lay-ups (unidirectional and crossply) tested in two experimental devices (drop-weight tower and split Hopkinson pressure bar). The main failure mechanisms in both laminate lay-ups were also identified.

Numerical prediction of delamination in CFRP drilling

“…The intralaminar failure model was based on Hou criteria [23] and was introduced through a user subroutine VUMAT for the carbon/epoxy laminate. This model has been used widely in the literature (see for instance [24,25]). …”

Characterisation of mechanical behaviour and damage analysis of 2D woven composites under bending

“…In the tension tests, all the fibres aligned parallel to the loading direction are subjected to a uniform stress, and so the weakest fails first. In the bending tests, only the bottom (back) plies experience the maximum tensile stress and the weakest fibres are not necessarily to be located at this region [17]. Similarly, the elongation of 1.96% and 1.9% of the warp and weft specimens, respectively, in bending was higher than their respective values of 1.55% and 1.56% in tension (see Table 1).…”

“…Several studies have highlighted that, in general, the flexural strength of a material is greater than its tensile strength [17]. This behaviour is explained as a result of the non-uniform stress distribution through the thickness of the bending specimen.…”

Finite-element modelling of bending of CFRP laminates: Multiple delaminations

“…Damage initiation and growth in composite structures subjected to bending loads have been studied by numerous researchers, using various FE models [13][14][15][16]. However, these models are usually developed in the context of a static or steady-state crack propagation using implicit FE tools.…”