Progressive Damage Analysis of Laminated Composites

Abstract

Laminate composites are used widely in diverse fields because of the ubiquitous advantages it provides compared to others. These materials are susceptible to developing of micro cracks which will change the global response of material thus creating high stresses and heightened damage in the other part. To precisely predict its life and practical applications, considering material strength and its capability to resist damage is important. This paper intends in finding out optimum conditions for minimum damage progression. A flat plate with stress concentrations in form of cut-outs made up of Epoxycarbon UD (Prepreg) and [45 0 −45 90]s layup has been modelled; progressive failure analysis under uni-axial tension loading is performed. Comparison of failure criteria is done and ultimately Hashin failure criteria is chosen for static analysis with different layups, cut-out shapes, sizes, orientations and multiple cut-outs. The observations are noted and outcomes are compared.