Abstract
This paper presents a composite conical structure used commonly in flight-qualification testing. This structure’s overall load-displacement behavioral response is characterized. Mixed-mode multidelamination in a layered composite specimen is considered in Abaqus/Explicit through both the Virtual Crack Closure Technique and Cohesive Elements. The Virtual Crack Closure Technique and Cohesive Elements are compared against experimental test results presented in literature. Further, a thorough comparison in which the effects of failure criteria type, through-thickness mesh density, and finite element type on the progressive failure response of this composite assembly is discussed. Lastly, Abaqus/Standard and Helius PFA are compared in order to gain confidence into which analytical model’s failure theories best predicts the different scales of failure, both local/microscale and global/macroscale.
Keywords
Applied sciences, Abaqus, Composite, Failure analyses, Finite element, Helius PFA, Progressive damage
Disciplines
Mechanical Engineering
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Engineering (MSE)
Department
Aeronautics and Astronautics
First Advisor
Vikas Tomar
Committee Chair
Vikas Tomar
Committee Member 1
Thomas S. Siegmund
Committee Member 2
Wenbin Yu
Date of Award
12-2016
Recommended Citation
Frappier, Ann M., "An investigation of composite failure analyses and damage evolution in finite element models" (2016). Open Access Theses. 847.
https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/open_access_theses/847