Experimental and numerical studies on buckling of laminated composite skew plates with circular holes under uniaxial compression

This article deals with experimental and finite element studies on the buckling of isotropic and laminated composite skew plates with circular holes subjected to uniaxial compression. The influence of skew angle, fiber orientation angle, laminate stacking sequence, and aspect ratio on critical buckling load are evaluated using the experimental method (using Methods I through V) and finite element method using MSC/NASTRAN. Method I yields the highest experimental value and Method IV the lowest experimental value for critical buckling load in the case of isotropic skew plates with circular holes. For all laminate stacking sequences considered, Method V yields the highest experimental value for critical buckling load for skew angle = 0° and Method IV yields the highest experimental value for critical buckling load for skew angles = 15° and 30°. For all laminate stacking sequences and skew angles considered, Method II yields the lowest experimental value for critical buckling load. The maximum discrepancy between the experimental values given by Method IV and the finite element solution is about 10% in the case of isotropic skew plates. The maximum discrepancy between the experimental values given by Method II and the finite element solution is about 21% in the case of laminated composite skew plates considered. The percentage of discrepancy between the numerical or finite element solution and experimental value increases as the skew angle increases. The critical buckling load decreases as the aspect ratio increases.     

Failure investigation of GFRP communication towers

The rapid growth in telecommunication system requires a large number of free-standing and guyed towers. Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) material is corrosion resistant and light weight with specific gravity one-fourth of steel. In triangular based communication towers gusset plates can be avoided by using GFRP 60° angles for leg members. The failures encountered in the full-scale testing of a 24 m high triangular GFRP communication tower designed by the pultruded profile manufacturer purely based on the properties derived from tensile coupon test results is presented in this paper. The GFRP 60° angles as struts exhibited torsional-flexural buckling mode and the 90° angles failed by flexural buckling. ANSYS Shell 281 layered element used to model the GFRP struts predicted the failure loads closer to the experiments. The GFRP 60° angles as leg members have shown torsional-flexural buckling mode till failure but finally failed by de-bonding of layers in the case of angle sections made of stitched mat and by shearing of the cross section in angles with multi-axial technical fabrics. The 60° angles subjected to compression, exhibited higher strength at a component level compared to the leg member in tower restrained by secondary bracings. The strength and behaviour of GFRP angles with multi-axial technical fabrics (± 45°/90°) are superior compared to the angles with stitched mat.     

Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Prosthetic Finger Joint Implants

The purpose of this study was to develop high resolution three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) models of the Swanson^® (No. 2) and NeuFlex^® (No. 10) joint implants to: simulate implant function; evaluate stress distributions and bending stiffness of these implants; and assess their comparative potential for fracture and range of motion (ROM) in flexion and extension. Geometric representations of the implants accurate to within 20 μm were achieved using digital laser imaging technology. Images were transferred to ANSYS 5.7 using appropriate interfacing software and 3D FE models of the implants were constructed. Hyperelastic material properties of the silicone elastomers were derived experimentally from uniaxial tensile tests on implant sections. Both implants experienced maximum von Mises stresses at 90° of flexion and minimum stresses at the neutral position of flexion (Swanson: 0°, NeuFlex: 30°). Within the reported functional ROM (33°–73°), the NeuFlex implant exhibited lower maximum von Mises stress and bending stiffness than the Swanson. The Swanson implant, which has a straight hinge, exhibited lower peak stresses and bending stiffness than the NeuFlex for flexion less than 20°. Areas of high von Mises stress for the Swanson implant included the stem–hinge junction and the peripheral zone of the body of the hinge, corresponding to clinical reports of fractures. In the NeuFlex implant, the maximum stress occurred on the dorsal surface of the hinge. Bending stiffness of the NeuFlex implant was modelled to be substantially less than that of the Swanson throughout the functional ROM (33°–73° of flexion). The resting position of the Swanson implant is at 0° of flexion. A moment was required to extend the NeuFlex implant from 30° to 0° of flexion. These results suggest that the NeuFlex may potentially facilitate flexion of the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint, whereas the Swanson may promote a more extended position of the joint.     

铺层顺序对复合材料薄壁圆管轴向压溃吸能特性的影响研究

采用仿真和试验相结合的方法探讨复合材料薄壁圆管在准静态轴向压缩载荷下的失效吸能特性和吸能机理。首先,建立复合材料薄壁圆管\     

Influence of notch severity on thermomechanical fatigue life of a directionally solidified Ni‐base superalloy

The aim of this work is to understand the influence of notches under thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) in a directionally solidified Ni‐base superalloy. Experiments were performed utilizing linear out‐of‐phase and in‐phase TMF loadings on longitudinally oriented smooth and cylindrically notched specimens. Several notch severities were considered with elastic stress concentrations ranging from 1.3 to 3.0. The local response of the notched specimens was determined using the finite element method with a transversely isotropic viscoplastic constitutive model. Comparing the analysis to experiments, the locations observed for crack nucleation in the notch, which are offset from the notch root in directionally solidified alloys, are consistent with the maximum von Mises stress. Various local and nonlocal methods are evaluated to understand the life trends under out‐of‐phase TMF. The results show that a nonlocal invariant area‐averaging method is the best approach for collapsing the TMF lives of specimens with different notch severities.     

Buckling behavior of stiffened composite panels with variable thickness skin under compression

In this paper, the effect of the skin configuration on the buckling behavior of stiffened composite panels subjected to uniaxial compression was numerically and experimentally investigated. P-version finite element models containing all the structural details were used to predict the buckling load and buckling mode of stiffened composite panels. The upper and lower ends of the panel were fixed by potting a tin bismuth alloy with melting temperature around 70?°C to get an uniformly loading condition in the test. The alloy could be easily recycled by heating and reutilized later for potting the other test specimens.     

Assumed strain nodally integrated hexahedral finite element formulation for elastoplastic applications

In this work, a linear hexahedral element based on an assumed strain finite element technique is presented for the solution of plasticity problems. The element stems from the Nodally Integrated Continuum Element (NICE) formulation and its extensions. Assumed gradient operators are derived via nodal integration from the kinematic‐weighted residual; the degrees of freedom are only the displacements at the nodes. The adopted constitutive model is the classical associative von Mises plasticity model with isotropic and kinematic hardening; in particular, a double‐step midpoint integration algorithm is adopted for the integration and solution of the relevant nonlinear evolution equations. Efficiency of the proposed method is assessed through simple benchmark problems and comparison with reference solutions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Constraints on the applicability range of Hill’s criterion: strong orthotropy or transverse isotropy

Commonly used orthotropic Hill’s criterion of plastic flow initiation (Hill in Proc R Soc Lond A 193:281–297, 1948) suffers from some constraints and inconsistencies, which are of two different origins. Firstly, in case of high orthotropy degree, the quadratic form corresponding to Hill’s criterion may change type from convex and closed elliptic to concave and open hyperbolic in the deviatoric stress space (Ottosen and Ristinmaa in the mechanics of constitutive modeling, Elsevier, Amsterdam, 2005). Secondly, application of classical Hill’s criterion to transversely isotropic materials shows a discrepancy between Hill’s limit curves in the transverse isotropy plane and the Huber-von Mises prediction for isotropic materials (Huber 1904; von Mises 1913). The basic result of the present paper is to propose the new transversely isotropic von Mises–Hu–Marin’s-type criterion of hexagonal symmetry that is free from both constraints. The new enhanced Hu–Marin’s-type limit surface represents an elliptic cylinder, the axis of which is proportional to stress/strength, in contrast to Hill’s-type limit surface possessing the hydrostatic axis. Hence, this condition does not exhibit the deviatoricity property, which is a price for coincidence with the Huber–von Mises condition in the transverse isotropy plane, but with cylindricity ensured for an arbitrarily high orthotropy degree. The hybrid-type transversely isotropic Hu–Marin’s criterion of mixed symmetry based on additional biaxial bulge test, capable of fitting experimental findings for some complex composites, is also proposed. Application of this criterion has been verified for a unidirectional SiC/Ti composite examined by Herakovich (Thermal stresses V, Lastran Corp. Publ. Division, pp 1–142, 1999).     

Experimental identification of yield surface of Al–Cu bimetallic sheet

Design of structures made form metal layered composite with a gradient variation of physical properties requires knowledge of their behaviour in the small of elasto-plastic strain. The aim of the research was the experimental investigation of these behaviours. Preliminary tests were carried out on standard flat specimens made from aluminium-copper layered composite, which was obtained by rolling process. Each component (layer) in the state before connecting into a composite was tested independently. The test specimens were cut from metal sheets in different directions (in the range 0–90°). The primary strength tests showed a large anisotropy of mechanical properties. Further studies, in the main part, were associated with the investigations of evolution of yield surfaces for Al–Cu bimetal and components in the range of strains from proportional limit to 0.3%. The investigations were realised by monotonic tensile tests of mini specimens, which were cut out in different directions from the large-size specimens and put to the initial deformation 0.75% in the direction of rolling. The method gave possibility to realising tests in the plane stress state and build for aluminium, copper and Al–Cu bimetal experimental yield surfaces. Evolution of yield surface with increasing levels of plastic deformation was studied. Analysis of their shape showed that aluminium, copper and Al–Cu bimetal had isotropic hardening. It was shown that the law of mixtures applied to the determination of the yield surface of Al–Cu bimetal was applicable only in a short range of elasto-plastic deformation (0.05–0.2%) and for specimens cut at an angle 0–45° from the large-size specimen.     

复合材料圆柱壳轴压屈曲性能分析

对完整复合材料圆柱壳轴向压缩性能进行了试验研究,得到了圆柱壳结构的破坏载荷和各测量点的载荷-应变曲线,通过分析得出结构的破坏形式为屈曲破坏。利用ANSYS有限元软件建立了模型,对复合材料圆柱壳进行屈曲分析,将有限元计算的结构变形和屈曲载荷与试验结果进行对比,计算结果与试验结果一致,验证了模型的有效性。利用建立的有限元模型,分析了开口尺寸和铺层角度对含矩形开口的复合材料圆柱壳屈曲载荷的影响。在开口处加装复合材料口盖对结构进行补强,补强后的柱壳结构满足强度设计要求。     

Comparative research on the crashworthiness characteristics of woven natural silk/epoxy composite tubes

This study investigated the energy absorption response of triggered and non-triggered woven natural silk/epoxy composite rectangular tubes subjected to an axial quasi-static crushing test. The rectangular composite tubes were prepared by the hand lay-up technique using 12 layers of silk fabric with a thickness of 1.7 mm and tube lengths of 50, 80, and 120 mm. The parameters measured were peak load, energy absorption, and specific energy absorption (SEA). In both triggered and non-triggered tubes, the SEA values decreased with increasing length of the composite specimen. On the contrary, total energy absorption increased with increasing length of the composite specimen. The peak load in triggered specimens is nearly half of that in non-triggered specimens. Deformation morphology shows that the specimens failed in two distinct modes: local buckling and mid-length buckling. The non-triggered composite tubes exhibited catastrophic failure, whereas the triggered composite tubes only exhibited progressive failure.     

A Representative volume model for a CNT composite material

The concept of a ‘Representative Volume Model’ is used in combination with ‘Equivalent Mechanical Strain’ or Aboudi's ‘Average Strain’ theorem to illustrate how a carbon nanotube reinforced composite material constitutive law for a nano‐composite material can be implemented into a finite element program for modeling structural applications. Current methods of modeling each individual composite layer to build up an element composed of carbon nanotube reinforced composite material may not be the best approach for modeling structural applications of this composite. The approach presented here is based upon presentations given at the National Science Foundation‐Civil and Mechanical Systems division workshop at John Hopkins University in 2004, which is referred to in this paper as the Williams‐Baxter approach. This approach is also used to demonstrate that damage modeling can be included as was suggested in this workshop. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

On a new integration scheme for von‐Mises plasticity with linear hardening

Limiting the discussion to an associative von‐Mises plasticity model with linear kinematic and isotropic hardening, we compare the performance of the classical radial return map algorithm with a new integration scheme based on the computation of an integration factor. The numerical examples clearly show the improved accuracy of the new method. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Influence of sub-micrometer notches on the fracture of single crystal silicon thin films

The influence of notches on the fracture of single crystal silicon thin films was investigated. The tests were conducted on notched and smooth tensile specimens micromachined on a silicon wafer. The specimen geometry was 100 μm long, 50 μm wide and 5 μm thick. For the notched specimen, a V‐shaped sub‐micrometer notch was introduced on one edge of it by using a focused ion beam (FIB) process. The notch lengths ranged from 0.07 to 1.3 μm. Four types of specimens with different surfaces and tensile orientations were tested. The smooth specimens showed scattered fracture strengths and ‘collapsed’ fractures. For the restrictive‐shaped notches, the critical length was 0.5 μm. The short‐notched (<0.5 μm) specimens also showed ‘collapsed’ fractures, and the stress concentrations on notch tips decreased their fracture strengths. For the long‐notched (>0.5 μm) specimens, the notch was equivalent to a crack in the Griffith model and the crack mainly propagated on {111} cleaved planes.     

Buckling analysis of rectangular composite plates with rectangular cutout subjected to linearly varying in-plane loading using fem

A numerical study is carried out using finite element method, to examine the effects of square and rectangular cutout on the buckling behavior of a sixteen ply quasi-isotropic graphite/epoxy symmetrically laminated rectangular composite plate [0°/+45°/-45°/90°]_2s, subjected to various linearly varying in-plane compressive loads. Further, this paper addresses the effects of size of square/rectangular cutout, orientation of square/rectangular cutout, plate aspect ratio(a/b), plate length/thickness ratio(a/t), boundary conditions on the buckling bahaviour of symmetrically laminated rectangular composite plates subjected to various linearly varying in-plane compressive loading. It is observed that the various linearly varying in-plane loads and boundary conditions have a substantial influence on buckling strength of rectangular composite plate with square/rectangular cutout.     

Plane Problem for Layered Composites with Periodic Array of Interfacial Cracks Under Compressive Static Loading

The current paper addresses the problem of 2-D modelling of the onset of failure process in a layered composite with periodic array of interfacial cracks under static compression along layers. The statement of the problem is based on the most accurate approach, the model of piecewise-homogenous medium. The condition of plane strain state is considered. The shear and the extensional buckling modes are examined. The laminae are modelled by transversally isotropic material (a matrix reinforced by continuous parallel fibres). The complex non-classical failure mechanics problem is solved utilizing finite element analysis. It is found that the 0°-plies volume fraction, the crack length and the mutual position of cracks influence the critical strain in the composite.     

A novel ‘optimal’ exponential‐based integration algorithm for von‐Mises plasticity with linear hardening: Theoretical analysis on yield consistency,accuracy, convergence and numerical investigations

In this communication we propose a new exponential‐based integration algorithm for associative von‐Mises plasticity with linear isotropic and kinematic hardening, which follows the ones presented by the authors in previous papers. In the first part of the work we develop a theoretical analysis on the numerical properties of the developed exponential‐based schemes and, in particular, we address the yield consistency, exactness under proportional loading, accuracy and stability of the methods. In the second part of the contribution, we show a detailed numerical comparison between the new exponential‐based method and two classical radial return map methods, based on backward Euler and midpoint integration rules, respectively. The developed tests include pointwise stress–strain loading histories, iso‐error maps and global boundary value problems. The theoretical and numerical results reveal the optimal properties of the proposed scheme. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

On the Through-the-Width Multiple Delamination, and Buckling and Postbuckling Behaviors of Symmetric and Unsymmetric Composite Laminates

Multiple delamination causes severe degradation of the stiffness and strength of composites. Interactions between multiple delamination, and buckling and postbuckling under compressive loads add the complexity of mechanical properties of composites. In this paper, the buckling, postbuckling and through-the-width multiple delamination of symmetric and unsymmetric composite laminates are studied using 3D FEA, and the virtual crack closure technique with two delamination failure criteria: B-K law and power law is used to predict the delamination growth and to calculate the mixed-mode energy release rate. The compressive load-strain curves, load-central deflection curves and multiple delamination process for eight composite specimens with different initial delamination sizes and their distributions as well as two angle-ply configurations 0₄//(±θ)₆//0₄ (θ?=?0° and 45°, and “//” denotes the delaminated interface) are comparatively studied. From numerical results, the unsymmetry decreases the local buckling load and initial delamination load, but does not affect the global buckling load compared with the symmetric laminates. Besides, the unsymmetry affects the unstable delamination and buckling behaviors of composite laminates largely when the initial multiple delamination sizes are relatively small.     

基于TiNi合金的超弹性对其相关磨损机制的FEM研究

本文在重点考虑TiNi合金高弹性变形量的前提下，采用等向强化模型，对不锈钢和超弹TiNi合金在法向接触载荷作用下的六种模型进行了有限元(FEM)分析。结果表明：在相同载荷条件下，超弹TiNi合金产生的von Mises弹性应变要高于不锈钢，但其von Mises应力和塑性应变却恰恰相反，在同一载荷下该合金发生塑性变形的区域要小于不锈钢；此外，超弹TiNi合金发生塑性变形要比不锈钢困难，所需的临界载荷值随其最大弹性变形量(屈服点处的应变值)的增加而增加。最后，基于本文的有限元计算结果对超弹TiNi合金的蘑粒磨损和疲劳磨损机制进行了讨论。     

Finite element analyses on transverse impact behaviors of 3-D circular braided composite tubes with different braiding angles

This paper presents finite element analyses (FEA) on the transverse impact responses of 3-D circular braided composite tubes with the braiding angles of 15°, 30° and 45°. A finite element model of the braided composite tube was established at microstructure level to analyze the transverse impact behaviors. From the FEA results, the impact damage, deformation and stress distribution were obtained to analyze the damage mechanism. Stress propagation in lower braiding angle tubes was faster than that of the higher braiding angle. The impact responses of the braided composite tubes were also tested to obtain load–displacement curves and energy absorption for the comparisons with the FEA results. The impact damage and fracture morphology obtained from the FEA were in good agreement with the experimental results, which demonstrated the feasibility of the FEA model for the design of the braided tube.