ISSN: 0884-6804
CODEN: JCTRER
Page Count: 8

Cross-Ply Laminates with Holes in Compression: Straight Free-Edge Stresses Determined by Two- to Three-Dimensional Global/Local Finite Element Analysis
Thompson, DM
Graduate assistant and associate professor, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, VA

Vidussoni, MA
consulting engineer, European Space Agency Technical and Scientific Centre, AG

Hayden Griffin, O
Graduate assistant and associate professor, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, VA

Abstract

A practical example of applying two- to three-dimensional (2- to 3-D) global/local finite element analysis to laminated composites is presented. Cross-ply graphite/epoxy laminates of 0.1-in. (0.254-cm) thickness with central circular holes ranging from 1 to 6 in. (2.54 to 15.2 cm) in diameter, subjected to in-plane compression were analyzed. Guidelines for full 3-D finite element analysis and 2- to 3-D global/local analysis of interlaminar stresses at straight free edges of laminated composites are included. The larger holes were found to reduce substantially the interlaminar stresses at the straight free-edge in proximity to the hole. Three-dimensional stress results were obtained for thin laminates which require prohibitive computer resources for full 3-D analyses of comparative accuracy.

Keywords:
laminates, compression, global/local finite element analysis, graphite/epoxy composites, holes, finite element analysis, interlaminar stresses

Paper ID: CTR10200J
DOI: 10.1520/CTR10200J
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