Abstract
Finite element programming using language such as FORTRAN, C++ and MATLAB has been the common and traditional tool to perform the progressive failure analysis of composite structures. This procedure requires high programming skills and strong mathematical understanding. This paper for the first time assesses the capability of a commercially available finite element analysis (FEA) software, ANSYS, to perform the Last Ply Failure (LPF) analysis of a laminated composite plate. The analysis is carried out by employing Maximum Stress and Tsai-Wu failure criteria. It is modelled and performed using ANSYS software which has a feature that supports the failure criteria and analysis procedure. The feature allows determination of maximum strength on individual layers in a composite laminate, thus provide an easier way to predict the failure progression. Based on analysis, the ultimate failure load and failure curves (LPF) are determined. The failure curves are compared and discussed with respect to previous experimental and FEA (both LPF and FPF) works. The results show that the LPF curves are very close to experiment that exhibits average errors as low as 16%. Finally, it can be concluded that the ANSYS software is applicable in predicting an accurate composite laminate LPF.
Published Version
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