Failure Modeling of Curved Composite Beams : Numerical Modeling of Failure Onset and Propagation in L-Profile Beams

Abstract: The high strength/stiffness-to-weight ratio that composite materials exhibit has led to the utilization of composites as alternative to traditional materials in weight-critical applications. However, the highly anisotropic nature of composites renders the strength prediction under complex loading challenging. To efficiently predict the failure of composite structures especially in cases where out-of-plane stresses are dominant, the modeling of damage onset and propagation plays an essential role in accurate strength predictions.Firstly, in this Thesis work the analysis of a composite L-profile, which is loaded such that significant out-of-plane stresses are generated in the curved region, is conducted. However, the inherent heterogeneity at the micro/meso scale is not modeled for the stress analysis.Secondly, in this project the target was to accurately predict the initiation of failure at the ply level, modal based Puck’s matrix failure criteria have been implemented to the failure analysis. Maximum stress failure criteria were however retained to check the possible fiber-based failure which is not directly captured with in Puck’s failure criterion.Thirdly, Cohesive Zone Material Model has also been employed to model the growth of interlaminar damage (delamination). The delamination study is based on the Inter Fibre Fracture crack initiation and doesn’t include other causes like edge effects, voids, manufacturing defects etc.Finally, the attempt to validate the analysis results with the available test results was made. Further development of the existing model and several tests are required to be carried out for material characterization and complete validation of the developed damage model for composite structure.