Progressive Failure Prediction of an L-Shaped Composite Flange Subjected to Flexural Loading

摘要

This work focuses on the development of a reliable failure model to predict the damage evolution of an angled composite flange under 4-point bending. The experiment was consistent with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D6415 specification. Specimens were fabricated and tested according to the standard, and an analytical prediction of the through-thickness, or radial, stress state was obtained. This information was then used to support a progressive failure simulation using a User Defined Material (UMAT) within the Finite Element Method (FEM) framework. Particularly, the through-thickness damage progression is examined and it is shown that a good correlation for both load-deflection, damage type, and damage location is obtained through the use of the Smeared Crack Approach (SCA) , implemented through an Abaqus UMAT in a FEM simulation.