Predicting the nonlinear response and progressive failure of composite laminates under tri-axial loading

Abstract

As a part of the Second World-Wide Failure Exercise, a three-dimensional nonlinear maximum progressive strain model, based on laminate analysis, is employed to make blind predictions for 12 test cases representing failure envelopes and stress strain curves for isotropic, unidirectional, and multidirectional composite laminates. This approach allows for redistribution of ply stresses and differentiation of the various potential modes of failure. These cases include initial and final ply failure envelopes under tri-axial loading, as well as 3 cases, requiring nonlinear stress–strain analysis. Comparison of predictions with actual experimental data will be made in Part B of the Second World-Wide Failure Exercise.