Numerical modeling of defective hybrid composite plates

Abstract

It is known that the optimization of the positioning of reinforcements within a composite material is likely to increase significantly the performance of a structure. Accordingly, buckling is the most critical failure mode for notched and non-stiffened plates under axial compressive stress. In this study, the buckling response of laminated plates made of hybrid composite materials with and without elliptical notches is analyzed using finite element methods. The plates are made of carbon/epoxy/aluminum and arranged in following ordered manner [Al/ (θ/-θ) /Al]. The resistance to buckling of the hybrid plates under uniaxial compression is examined according to fiber orientations, the orientation of the notch and finally the thickness of the aluminum layer in the composite material. The results showed that when the fibers are at = 90 0 the amplification of the critical load of buckling in the hybrid notchless plate is of the order of 59% and 27.66% for a thickness of the aluminum layer tAl= 0.2mm and 0.127mm respectively. The elliptical notch oriented at 0° reduces the maximum load four times more than when oriented at 90 o .