Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of Progressive Failure of Woven Composite Panels

Abstract

Progressive failure of laminated panels containing stacks of unidirectional non-woven composite laminae has been widely studied in recent years. However, there are few reports about the progressive failure analysis of woven composite panels. The present paper provides a methodology for the progressive failure analysis of such woven composite panels under high transverse pressure. The method incorporates the results from micro-structural analysis of a woven composite unit [1] into the macro analysis of the woven composite panel. The effect of stress concentrations due to interlacing and undulation of the woven fabrics on the strength of the material is considered. The Hashin failure criterion is used in the analysis. Three types (two woven and one non-woven) of composite panels are analysed as examples and the predicted results are compared with tests on panels. Good agreement is demonstrated.