An Engineering Approach to Analyze Damage Initiation Modes in Tapered Composite StructuresIn this work an engineering approach is demonstrated for analyzing damage initiation modes in tapered composite structures. The analysis methodology includes simulation of the non-linear static response of tapered composite structures under static tension loads to predict the location of interfacial delamination initiation. Furthermore, the developed methodology provides a strength-based criterion to assess whether damage initiation will occur in the inter-laminar delamination or intra-laminar matrix cracking mode. Based on the results of the analysis, a tapered composite structure is fabricated and tested under displacement-controlled quasi-static tension loading. The damage initiation location captured experimentally is compared with the analysis towards achieving preliminary qualitative validation. The linear stiffness of the tapered composite structure is predicted within 15% of the experimental average thereby achieving preliminary quantitative validation.
Document ID
20190033122
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Rao, Prabhakar M. (United Technologies of New Mexico, Inc. East Hartford, CT, United States)
Palliyaguru, Upul R. (Wichita State Univ. Wichita, KS, United States)
Gurvich, Mark R. (United Technologies of New Mexico, Inc. East Hartford, CT, United States)
Seneviratne, Waruna (National Aviation Research Inst. Washington, DC, United States)
Date Acquired
November 21, 2019
Publication Date
September 24, 2018
Subject Category
Composite MaterialsStructural Mechanics
Report/Patent Number
NF1676L-29339
Meeting Information
Meeting: American Society for Composites Technical Conference