Evaluation of Failure Parameters in Composite Structures by Component-Wise Approach

Abstract

This paper proposes a new approach for the FE analysis of composite structures by means of 1D refined models that have been derived in the framework of the Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF). CUF provides hierarchical higher-order structural models with arbitrary expansion orders. Taylorand Lagrange-type polynomials were used to interpolate the displacement field over the element cross-section. The proposed new approach, referred to as Composite-Wise (CW), is able to provide stress and strain fields with solid-like accuracy and very low computational cost. Within the CW approach, different scale components (fiber, matrix, laminae and laminates) can be simultaneously considered in the same structural model. Failure analyses are conducted by implementing well-known failure criteria. Furthermore, an integral evaluation of failure parameters is introduced to determine critical portion of the structure where failure could take place. Results are provided to show the enhaced capability of the present formulation in the failure analysis of fiber-reinforced composite structures by the detection of detailed displacement/stress fields with reduced computational cost.