Thesis
Use of finite element method to evaluate the strength response of notched composite laminates under tension
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2008
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/102740
Abstract
Mechanical attachments can reduce the strength of composites substantially. The following considers the sensitivity of open-hole tension (OHT) test coupons to the laminate fiber orientation. Fiber orientation affects the stress distribution around the hole which can lead to improved laminate strength. The effect of the hole on the OHT strength was described numerically by using a 3D Finite Element (FE) model. The linear elastic model was used to predict the first ply failure (FPF). Maximum Stress and Maximum Strain failure criteria were found to correlate well with the measured FPF strength and location as verified by SEM. The results of the 3D model were used with Quadratic Delamination Criterion. The procedure was successful in identifying laminates with delamination failure modes as identified through SEM. An FE based Representative Volume Element (RVE) has been used to evaluate the homogenized elastic properties of a graphite/epoxy composite material from its constituent properties. The model agreed well with the experimentally obtained elastic properties of the composite lamina. The FE based RVE model approach was found to be an improvement over the existing analytical and semi-empirical methods, as a single model could be used to generate all the elastic properties of the composite material.
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Details
- Title
- Use of finite element method to evaluate the strength response of notched composite laminates under tension
- Creators
- Arjun Kothidar
- Contributors
- Lloyd V. Smith (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Mechanical and Materials Engineering, School of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Pullman, Wash. :
- Identifiers
- 99900525065301842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis