Failure phenomenon of compressed thin-walled composite columns with top-hat cross-section for three laminate lay-ups

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental and numerical study of the failure phenomenon of compressed composite top-hat (CFRP) columns with three different lay-up arrangements of the composite. The research was conducted both experimentally on physical structures and numerically based on advanced numerical models (based on the finite element method – ABAQUS® program). The research was conducted especially in the range of failure of thin-walled structures, with capturing the phenomena directly accompanying the loss of load-carrying capacity: damage initiation and evolution, as well as delamination. As part of the experimental study, the course of a time-shortening (universal testing machine) and acoustic emission signals were recorded (AMSY-5), allowing for an in-depth evaluation of the failure. Numerical simulations were conducted using independent failure models - progressive failure analysis (PFA) and cohesive zone model (CZM). This approach allowed for a comprehensive assessment of the failure phenomena, both in the context of the analysis of phenomena contributing to the loss of load-carrying capacity of the structure, as well as the delamination phenomenon. The main objective and novelty of this paper, was to compare the test results for three different composite lay-ups, in the context of failure studies. The research conducted in this paper on composite profiles with open sections, is a prelude to the research from the project from the National Science Centre (Poland) No. 2021/41/B/ST8/00148 on composite profiles with closed sections. In this paper, a preliminary methodology is presented for the realization of the research to be carried out on profiles with closed sections.