Experimental and numerical compressive tests on curved laminate structures with embedded wrinkles

Abstract

This work focuses on the effect of wrinkle defects within curved laminate composites under compressive load. In the study, 22 curved specimens with different levels of maximum misalignment angles – ranging from 1.5° to 17° – were manufactured. The specimens with embedded defects were tested under compression to assess the effect of defects on the compressive strength. Then, specimens were modeled using the Discrete Ply Model strategy and simulations were run. The numerical model showed a relevant correlation with the experimental results and was used to distinguish the influence of different failure mechanisms (matrix cracking, delamination and fiber failure) on the global failure of the specimen. Finally, a numerical sensitivity analysis of the compressive strength of curved specimens in relation with the misalignment angle was carried out.