The Interaction of Failure Modes in the Compression Response and Failure of Laminated Composites

Abstract

Failure mode interactions when a laminated fiber reinforced composite is subjected to compression is studied here. Delamination, fiber kink-banding and their interaction are seen to dominate the failure response. An upscaled semi-homogenized laminate model is developed to predict the observed compression response of multi-directional laminates. A reduced 2-D formulation is presented first to determine the interfaces most susceptible to delamination. Subsequently, cohesive elements are added along these interfaces to introduce delamination capability in the model. Predictions of the model are compared against experimental data, and are found to be in agreement with respect to compressive strength and failure modes.

Experimental investigation of the mechanical behavior of glass fiber/high fluidity polyamide-based composites for automotive market

“…Several classifications of the composites failure modes have been described in the literature. [27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36] According to Opelt et al, 37 the damage and fracture mechanisms of these composites can be arranged in different categories with analogous characteristics as shear, 38,39 interlaminar failures, [40][41][42] and interfacial 43 or kink-band failures. [44][45][46] The main mechanisms identified here are the in-plane shear, through the thickness shear, and wedge splitting.…”