Failure prediction of composite materials

The work focuses on the prediction of failure of composite material under both static and dynamic loading. Modern criteria are used in the calculations, such as LaRC04 or Puck’s criteria. The crack growth in composite material is investigated using progressive failure analysis up to final rupture. Three types of specimens are analyzed. One is thin flat strip loaded in tension statically and dynamically. Second is thin orthotropic plate loaded by low-velocity transverse impact. Third specimen is flat strip loaded in Mode I to induce delamination. All cases were analyzed numerically using finite element method in MSC.Marc code and validated experimentally. Good agreement was achieved in each case.