Abstract
In this work we propose an extension of the MISS-4 flat shell element [1] to the geometrically nonlinear
analysis of variable-angle tow (VAT) composite plates using the Koiter asymptotic approach [2]. Variableangle
tows describe curvilinear fiber paths in a composite lamina and are a promising technology for
tailoring the buckling and post-buckling capability of plates and shells compared to their straight fiber
counterparts [3-4]. Due to the variable stiffness across the planform of the VAT plates, pre-buckling stresses
can be tailored and redistributed towards supported edges, thereby greatly improving the first critical load. A
finite element implementation of the Koiter asymptotic approach allows the pre-critical and post-critical
behaviour of slender elastic structures to be evaluated in a computationally efficient manner. Its
implementation makes use of a fourth–order expansion of the strain energy, and requires both the structural
modelling and finite element discretization procedures to be, at least, of fourth order. In the present work,
the use of the corotational approach fulfils this requirement simply by starting from a linear model or finite
element discretization [2]. In this work, VAT plates with linear fibre variations in one direction only, and
constant stiffness properties in the orthogonal direction, are considered [5], and numerical results for
buckling and post-critical analyses are presented. The equilibrium paths are compared with those obtained
by Riks analysis (using the S4R finite element in Abaqus), and show the good accuracy and the reliability of
the proposed modelling approach.
analysis of variable-angle tow (VAT) composite plates using the Koiter asymptotic approach [2]. Variableangle
tows describe curvilinear fiber paths in a composite lamina and are a promising technology for
tailoring the buckling and post-buckling capability of plates and shells compared to their straight fiber
counterparts [3-4]. Due to the variable stiffness across the planform of the VAT plates, pre-buckling stresses
can be tailored and redistributed towards supported edges, thereby greatly improving the first critical load. A
finite element implementation of the Koiter asymptotic approach allows the pre-critical and post-critical
behaviour of slender elastic structures to be evaluated in a computationally efficient manner. Its
implementation makes use of a fourth–order expansion of the strain energy, and requires both the structural
modelling and finite element discretization procedures to be, at least, of fourth order. In the present work,
the use of the corotational approach fulfils this requirement simply by starting from a linear model or finite
element discretization [2]. In this work, VAT plates with linear fibre variations in one direction only, and
constant stiffness properties in the orthogonal direction, are considered [5], and numerical results for
buckling and post-critical analyses are presented. The equilibrium paths are compared with those obtained
by Riks analysis (using the S4R finite element in Abaqus), and show the good accuracy and the reliability of
the proposed modelling approach.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - 2016 |
| Event | 7th European Congress on Computational Methods in Applied Sciences and Engineering, ECCOMAS Congress 2016 - Crete, Greece Duration: 5 Jun 2016 → 10 Jun 2016 |
Conference
| Conference | 7th European Congress on Computational Methods in Applied Sciences and Engineering, ECCOMAS Congress 2016 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Greece |
| City | Crete |
| Period | 5/06/16 → 10/06/16 |