Triaxial test results for fibre-reinforced composites: The Second World-Wide Failure Exercise benchmark data

Abstract

This article describes a unique set of experimental results employed in benchmarking leading three-dimensional failure criteria, as a part of the Second World Wide Failure Exercise (WWFE-II). In Part A of WWFE-II, the originators of those criteria (or their representative) made blind theoretical predictions of the triaxial strength, stress–strain curves and deformation of 12 Test Cases, selected by the organisers to challenge the contributors’ models. The cases covered various materials and laminates subjected to a wide range of triaxial and through-thickness loading conditions. The Test Cases were for (a) an isotropic material made of an epoxy polymer, (b) various 0° unidirectional laminae and (c) (0°/90°)s, (0°/±45°/90°)s and (±35°)s multi-directional laminates. In Part B of WWFE-II, a comparison is made by the contributors between available experimental results, described here, and their theoretical predictions, made in Part A. Discussion is also made on the accuracy of these results.