Stability and Failure of Thin-Walled Composite Plate Elements with Asymmetric Configurations

Abstract

In the present study, the stability and failure phenomena of thin-walled constructions subjected to axial compression, featuring a central cut-out, and constructed from composite materials were explored. These constructions were fabricated from a carbon–epoxy composite using the autoclave method. The research encompassed experimental assessments on actual specimens alongside numerical analyses employing the finite element approach within the ABAQUS® software. The investigation spanned the entire load spectrum up to the point of structural failure, incorporating both practical trials and simulation analysis. During the practical assessments, the study monitored the post-buckling response and captured acoustic emissions to thoroughly evaluate the composite’s failure mechanisms. Additionally, the ARAMIS system’s non-invasive three-dimensional scanning was employed to assess deformations. Theoretical simulations utilized a step-by-step failure analysis, initiating with failure onset as per Hashin’s theory and proceeding to failure progression based on an energy criterion. The simulation outcomes, particularly concerning the critical and post-critical phases, were juxtaposed with empirical data to identify the composite’s vulnerability zones. The comparison underscored a significant concordance between the simulation predictions and the empirical findings.

Special Issue: Damage Analysis for Composite Materials: Methods, Testing and Evaluation

“…Additionally, the acoustic emission method is used, showing that it is possible to determine additional parameters affecting the strength of the structure for any composite materials. Finally, in [10], experimental and finite-element simulation are used to study the stability and failure phenomena of thin-walled constructions subjected to axial compression, featuring a central cut-out, and constructed from composite materials. The comparison underscored a significant concordance between the simulation predictions and the empirical findings.…”