Comparison of 2D Finite Element Modeling Assumptions with Results from 3D Analysis for Composite Skin-Stiffener Debonding
Abstract
The influence of two-dimensional finite element modeling assumptions on the debonding prediction for skin-stiffener specimens was investigated. Geometrically nonlinear finite element analyses using two-dimensional plane-stress and plane-strain elements as well as three different generalized plane-strain type approaches were performed. The computed skin and flange strains, transverse tensile stresses and energy release rates were compared to results obtained from three-dimensional simulations. The study showed that for strains and energy release rate computations the generalized plane-strain assumptions yielded results closest to the full three- dimensional analysis. For computed transverse tensile stresses the plane-stress assumption gave the best agreement. Based on this study it is recommended that results from plane-stress and plane-strain models be used as upper and lower bounds. The results from generalized plane-strain models fall between the results obtained from plane-stress and plane-strain models. Two-dimensional models may also be used to qualitatively evaluate the stress distribution in a ply and the variation of energy release rates and mixed mode ratios with delamination length. For more accurate predictions, however, a three-dimensional analysis is required.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADP023577
Entities
People
- Isabelle L. Paris
- Pierre J. Minguet
- Ronald Krueger
- T. K. O'brien
Organizations
- Langley Research Center