Numerical studies on stability and load capacity of compressed channel section columns made of composite reinforced with flax fibers

Abstract

In this article, the results for compressed channel section profiles made of glass and flax fiber reinforced polymer were presented. Six symmetric arrangements of layers were tested: [0/−45/45/90]s, [90/−45/45/0]s, [90/0/90/0]s, [0/90/0/90]s, [45/−45/45/−45]s, [45/−45/90/0]s. The study concerns the buckling and failure modes and loads determination. To obtain load capacity of analyzed structures the ANSYS program based on finite element method was employed. Linear (LBA) and nonlinear buckling analyses (NBA) with an implementation of the progressive failure algorithm (PFA) with the Hashin criterion as the damage onset criterion, were performed. Structures made of natural fibers were characterized by small differences in relation to the successive buckling loads, similar load carrying capacity values determined for the implementation of successive buckling modes and, in opposition to GFRP channel section profiles, by a lack of or a small range of deformations in the postbuckling stage. Wherefore, the obtained results with results for analogous profiles made of GFRP were compared. Furthermore, the effect of laying the laminate layers on the magnitude of the critical force and the occurrence of a specific failure mechanism depending on the number of degraded layers were presented.