Evaluation of an alternative composite material failure model under dynamic loading

Abstract

An alternative composite material failure model utilizing multicontinuum theory (MCT) is compared against experimental dynamic testing results. The investigation examines the advantages of the failure model, along with current model limitations. The experimental procedure used as the control data involved testing solid laminate glass reinforced plastic (GRP) composite specimen of varying thickness under a similar dynamic load. The testing subjected the solid laminate specimen to an air-backed, dynamic pressure load environment. All of the composite specimens were fitted with strain gauges on both the dry and wet surface of the specimen. Post test experimental analysis consisted of nondestructive ultrasonic (UT) evaluations to determine the damaged regions of the specimens. Experimental strain results and UT failure regions are compared with the composite material failure model. ©2010 Society for Experimental Mechanics Inc.