STAGS computational procedure for progressive failure analysis of laminated composite structures

Non-linear analyses are difficult simulations to perform and place increased demands not only on the computational systems but also on the analyst. The number of possible problems and/or difficulties increases significantly compared to those for linear elastic analyses. Combined material and geometric non-linearities challenge the analyst and the solution algorithms. Progressive failure and damage propagation for composite structures result in even more complexities due to the discrete, abrupt changes in local material stiffness. Analysts need to interrogate the computed solutions carefully based on their understanding of structural mechanics, material behavior, computational procedures and non-linear phenomena to distill correct physics from such simulations. This paper describes the computational strategy incorporated into the STAGS non-linear finite element analysis code with special emphasis on progressive failure analysis of laminated composite structures. Results for selected laminated composite structures are used to demonstrate the PFA capability.

[1]  E Harris Charles,et al.  Progressive Damage Analysis of Laminated Composite (PDALC)-A Computational Model Implemented in the NASA COMET Finite Element Code , 1996 .

[2]  Fu-Kuo Chang,et al.  An Accumulative Damage Model for Tensile and Shear Failures of Laminated Composite Plates , 1995 .

[3]  PROGRESSIVE FAILURE STUDIES OF COMPOSITE PANELS WITH AND WITHOUT CUTOUTS , 2001 .

[4]  F. Chang,et al.  Damage-Tolerance-Based Design of Bolted Composite Joints , 2001 .

[5]  Jr Norman F. Knight,et al.  Evaluation of a Progressive Failure Analysis Methodology for Laminated Composite Structures , 1997 .

[6]  Stephen W. Tsai,et al.  A General Theory of Strength for Anisotropic Materials , 1971 .

[7]  Tk O'Brien,et al.  Composite Interlaminar Shear Fracture Toughness, G IIc : Shear Measurement or Sheer Myth? , 1998 .

[8]  Ramesh Talreja,et al.  Modeling of Damage Development in Composites Using Internal Variables Concepts , 1987 .

[9]  K. Trinh.  Modeling the in-plane tension failure of composite plates , 1997 .

[10]  N. F. Knight,et al.  Controlling progressive failure analyses using artificial viscous damping , 2001 .

[11]  J. N. Reddy,et al.  Postbuckling response and failure prediction of graphite-epoxy plates loaded in compression , 1992 .

[12]  E Harris Charles,et al.  A Progressive Damage Methodology for Residual Strength Predictions of Notched Composite Panels , 1998 .

[13]  Eduardo Moas,et al.  Progressive Failure Analysis of Laminated Composite Structures , 1997 .

[14]  David H. Allen,et al.  A thermomechanical constitutive theory for elastic composites with distributed damage. II: Application to matrix cracking in laminated composites , 1987 .

[15]  Charles E. Harris,et al.  Experimental Verification of a Progressive Damage Model for IM7/5260 Laminates Subjected to Tension-Tension Fatigue , 1995 .

[16]  J. H. Starnes,et al.  Postbuckling and failure characteristics of selected flat rectangular graphite-epoxy plates loaded in compression , 1981 .

[17]  David H. Allen,et al.  A thermomechanical constitutive theory for elastic composites with distributed damage—I. Theoretical development , 1987 .

[18]  F. Chang,et al.  A Progressive Damage Model for Laminated Composites Containing Stress Concentrations , 1987 .

[19]  Z. Hashin.  Failure Criteria for Unidirectional Fiber Composites , 1980 .

[20]  W Hilburger Mark,et al.  Buckling Behavior of Compression-Loaded Quasi-Isotropic Curved Panels With a Circular Cutout , 1999 .