Analytical Qualification of Composite Structures

Abstract

The feasibility of replacing substructure and component testing by analytical "virtual testing" is addressed here for composite structures. The special difficulties in estimating the failure loads of composite structures are described, especially when initiation starts from a local stress concentration. Damage may initiate and then propagate, but final failure can occur at loads significantly higher than that for initiation. The separate modes of in-plane (fibre-dominated) and delamination (matrix dominated) are shown to need different strength and fracture strategies. Several examples are chosen of realistic structures, ranging from notches through to stiffened compression panels, starting with the easiest (in-plane dominated) and finishing with the most difficult mixed in-plane and debonding case.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2003
Accession Number
ADP014169

Entities

People

  • D. Hitchings
  • G. A. Davies

Organizations

  • Imperial College London

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Carbon Fibers
  • Composite Materials
  • Composite Structures
  • Compressive Strength
  • Delamination
  • Failure Mode And Effect Analysis
  • Fibers
  • Fracture (Mechanics)
  • Materials
  • Mechanics
  • Military Aircraft
  • Sandwich Panels
  • Software Testing
  • Stress Concentration
  • Stresses
  • Three Dimensional

Readers

  • Materials Science (Mechanical Engineering).
  • Reinforced Composite Materials
  • Structural Dynamics.