A composite finite element to predict failure progress in composite laminates accounting for nonlinear material properties

Abstract

SUMMARY The failure initiation and failure progress up to the final failure of the fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) laminated shells, using the finite element method have been studied. A finite element computer program ‘NLINE’ has been used for this purpose. The program uses a 10-node triangular finite element for the analysis of plates and shells developed by the first author. For detecting and controlling the failure of such structures, Abu-Farsakh–Abdel-Jawad (AF-AJ) failure criterion has been employed, which is applicable to nonlinear behavior composite materials. The material nonlinear behavior is simulated using a comprehensive constitutive material model that incorporates the material nonlinearity through the plastic strain energy density of an equivalent linear–elastic system. Results were compared with the corresponding available experimental data and theoretical predictions of a worldwide failure exercise. This exercise was launched to confirm the current state-of-the art of predicting failure in composite laminates. The predictions of failure by ‘NLINE’ were in good agreement with many of the experimental results as well as the other theoretical predictions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.