Progressive Failure Analysis of Multi-Directional Composite Laminates Based on the Strain-Rate-Dependent Northwestern Failure Theory

Joseph D. Schaefer*, Brian T. Werner, Isaac M. Daniel

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

The failure progression of a fiber-reinforced toughened-matrix composite (IM7/8552) was experimentally characterized at quasi-static (10−4 s−1) strain rate using crossply and quasi-isotropic laminate specimens. A progressive failure framework was proposed to benchmark the initiation and progression of damage within composite laminates based on the matrix-dominated failure modes. The Northwestern Failure Theory (NU Theory) was used to provide a set of physics-based failure criteria for predicting the matrix-dominated failure of embedded plies using the lamina-based transverse tension, transverse compression, and shear failure strengths. The NU Theory was used to predict the first-ply-failure (FPF) of embedded plies in [0/904]s and [02/452/−452/902]s laminates for the embedded 90° and 45° plies. The Northwestern Criteria were found to provide superior prediction of the matrix-dominated embedded ply failure for all evaluated cases compared to the classical approaches. The results indicate the potential to use the Northwestern Criteria to provide the predictive baseline for damage propagation in composite laminates based on experimentally identified damage response on a length scale-relevant basis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMechanics of Composite and Multi-functional Materials- Proceedings of the 2017 Annual Conference on Experimental and Applied Mechanics
EditorsRaman Singh, Raman Singh, Piyush R. Thakre, Geoff Slipher
PublisherSpringer New York LLC
Pages197-214
Number of pages18
ISBN (Print)9783319634074
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018
EventAnnual Conference and Exposition on Experimental and Applied Mechanics, 2017 - Indianapolis, United States
Duration: Jun 12 2017Jun 15 2017

Publication series

NameConference Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Mechanics Series
Volume6
ISSN (Print)2191-5644
ISSN (Electronic)2191-5652

Other

OtherAnnual Conference and Exposition on Experimental and Applied Mechanics, 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityIndianapolis
Period6/12/176/15/17

Keywords

  • Composites
  • Failure
  • Northwestern Failure Theory
  • Strain Rate
  • Verification and Validation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Engineering(all)
  • Computational Mechanics
  • Mechanical Engineering

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