Maturity of 3D failure criteria for fibre-reinforced composites: Comparison between theories and experiments: Part B of WWFE-II

Abstract

This article draws to a conclusion the results from the co-ordinated study known as the Second World-Wide Failure Exercise (WWFE-II). It contains an objective assessment of the performance of 12 leading failure criteria for predicting the response of fibre-reinforced polymer composites when subjected to 3D states of stress. Twelve challenging test problems (Test Cases) were defined by the organisers of WWFE-II, encompassing a range of materials (polymer, glass/epoxy, carbon/epoxy), lay-ups (unidirectional, angle ply, cross ply and quasi-isotropic laminates) and various 3D stress states (various triaxial strength envelopes, through-thickness and shear loading, and stress–strain curves). A systematic comparison has then been conducted between ‘blind’ predictions (i.e. without access to the experimental results beforehand) made for each Test Case by the originators of each theory and previously obtained experimental results for each Test Case. In-depth quantitative and qualitative ranking procedures have been employed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each theory, and the overall effectiveness of each theory as a potential design tool. The theories are grouped according to their degree of maturity and ability to predict accurately the 3D behaviour of composites. The results from this study provide unique information to the community, the intent being that it will form a guide for the selection of the most appropriate failure theory for use in a given design situation.

A DEM model for visualising damage evolution and predicting failure envelope of composite laminae under biaxial loads

“…An accurate and reliable failure criteria have been pursued for the past few decades, and an effort has been made by the organisers of the first [2,42] and second [1] WWFE to compare the experimental results with the predictions from different failure criteria. 19 failure criteria were evaluated and ranked according to their capability to predict the stress-strain curves under different uniaxial loading as well as the failure envelope in a series of test cases including biaxial loading.…”

“…However, there is yet a universal model or approach to accurately predict the failure strength of FRP composite laminates under biaxial or triaxial loads in real applications [1]. A large amount of experimental tests need to be carried out to obtain the failure strength of FRP composite laminates which is usually designed to be much larger than the required strength under real loading conditions.…”

“…There are a few theoretical failure criteria available for predicting failure modes separately as well as the failure envelope of composite lamina/laminates under different loading conditions. Among them, there are several well-known physically-based phenomenological failure criteria [3][4][5][6] that have the capability to predict the failure envelope and also provide information on failure modes of composite lamina/laminates under certain loading conditions [1]. In particular, Puck's failure criterion is one of the better criteria adopted in the World Wide Failure Exercise (WWFE) for predicting composite laminate failure.…”

Failure of Fiber-Reinforced Composites

“…These became known as "World-Wide Failure Exercise I" [37][38][39][40] and "World-Wide Failure Exercise II" [41][42][43] due to the multitude of participants from countries all over the world. The procedure chosen by the organizers comprises two stages.…”

Flaw and damage assessment in torsionally loaded CFRP cylinders using experimental and numerical methods

“…if the outer fibres are loaded in tension, fibre failure will occur in the outer layer, Figure 1. For a representative model failure prediction should be accurate to within ±10 % of an experiment [12]. …”