Evaluation of energy and failure parameters in composite structures via a Component-Wise approach

Abstract

This paper deals with the static analysis of fiber reinforced composites via the Component-Wise approach (CW). The main aim of this work is the investigation of the CW capabilities for the evaluation of integral quantities such as the strain energy, or integral failure indexes. Such quantities are evaluated in the global structures and local volumes. The integral failure indexes, in particular, are proposed as alternatives to pointwise failure indexes. The CW approach has been recently developed as an extension of the 1D Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF). The CUF provides hierarchical higher-order structural models with arbitrary expansion orders. In this work, Lagrange-type polynomials are used to interpolate the displacement field over the element cross-sections. The CW makes use of the 1D CUF finite elements to model simultaneously different scale components (fiber, matrix, laminae and laminates) with a reduced computational cost. CW models do not require the homogenization of the material characteristics nor the definition of mathematical lines or surfaces. In other words, the material characteristics of each component, e.g. fibers and matrix, are employed, and the problem unknowns are placed above the physical surface of the body. In the perspective of failure analyses, the integral evaluation of failure parameters is introduced to determine critical portions of the structure where failure could take place. Integral quantities are evaluated using 3D integration sub-domains that may cover macro-and micro-volumes of the structure. The integral quantities can be evaluated directly on fiber and matrix portions. Numerical results are provided for different configurations and compared with solid finite element models. The results prove the accuracy of the CW approach and its computational efficiency. In particular, 3D local effects can be detected. The use of the integral failure index provides qualitatively reliable results; however, experimental campaigns should be carried out to related such indexes to the failure occurrence.

Exact solutions for the macro-, meso- and micro-scale analysis of composite laminates and sandwich structures

“…Subsequently, exploiting CW capabilities, Maiarú et al. 31 extended 1D CUF-LE model for the prediction of failure parameters. Kaleel et al.…”

“…only fiber-matrix constituents. Subsequently, exploiting CW capabilities, Maiaru´et al 31 extended 1D CUF-LE model for the prediction of failure parameters. Kaleel et al 32 developed a novel and computationally efficient micromechanics framework based on 1D CUF-LE model to model components within RVEs.…”

Micromechanical Progressive Failure Analysis of Fiber-Reinforced Composite Using Refined Beam Models

“…The refined beam models are based on Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF), a hierarchical formulation which offers a procedure to obtain refined structural theories that account for variable kinematic description [25]. In particular, Component-Wise approach (CW) is adopted for modeling micromechanics problem, where various components of the RVE are modeled via 1D finite elements [26,27]. CW models adopt Lagrange type polynomial to define the cross-section of the beam.…”

Computationally efficient, high-fidelity micromechanics framework using refined 1D models

“…Refined beam models are based on the Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF) [24], a hierarchical formulation to obtain refined structural theories that account for a variable kinematic description. In particular, the Component-Wise approach (CW) is adopted for modeling micromechanics problem, in which various components of the RVE are modeled via 1D finite elements [25,26]. CUF models can deal with arbitrary cross-sections, various classes of material models and boundary conditions, without any ad-hoc assumptions, which makes it an ideal candidate for micromechanics analysis.…”

“…The efficiency of the framework is derived from the ability of CUF models to provide accurate 3D displacement and stress fields at a reduced computational cost (approximately one order of magnitude of degrees of freedom less as compared to standard 3D brick elements) [24,25,27]. Over the last couple of decades, CUF models have been extensively used for wide range of structural simulations such as static analysis of laminated beams [28], dynamic response for aerospace structures [29], vibration characteristics of rotating structures [30], evaluation of failure indices in composite structures [26], buckling and post-buckling analysis of compact and composite structures [31,32]. Carrera et al reported an extended review of recent developments in refined theories for beam based on CUF with particular focus on diverse applications [33].…”