Replacement of industrial testing composite structures by simulation

Abstract

This article summarizes the work undertaken during the period 2007–2008 by the Materials and Structures task within FLAVIIR. The aim was to examine how much structural testing could be realistically replaced by simulation. The aim was to employ a finite-element (FE) code that could be used as a design tool by non-experts in FE technology. The non-linear software code used is ABAQUS and it was found that the complex features, in tests of many composite structures to failure, were simulated well and agreed with the experimental tests. Examples quoted are a ‘T’ stiffener bonded to a skin, and a joint bolting a composite skin to a metallic substructure. One of the problems to be overcome is the apparent need for tiny FEs representing the interfaces at an opening crack/debond/delamination. Solutions are suggested.

Keywords

composite structures finite-element code failure simulation

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