A bridging model prediction of the ultimate strength of composite laminates subjected to triaxial loads

Abstract

A pseudo three-dimensional laminate theory is incorporated with the three-dimensional bridging model, based on micromechanics formulae, to predict failure under triaxial loads. A lamina failure is considered to occur as long as any of its constituents has failed. A laminate ultimate failure is assumed to take place when the fibres have failed or when the resin has failed in compression. In order to account for the effect of a three-dimensional compression on increasing the load-carrying ability of a resin material, a modified maximum compressive stress failure criterion is introduced. The methodology was used successfully to solve all the 12 challenging test cases of the Second World-Wide Failure Exercise.

Keywords

Laminate strength failure criterion micromechanics bridging model

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