DAMAGE TOLERANCE OF THICK HYBRID COMPOSITE PLATE CONTAINING A LOCAL HEMISPHERICAL DAMAGE

Three dimensional (3-D) stress and failure analysis of thick hybrid co mposite plate containing a local impact damage is presented. The impac t damage is modelled in the present study by an artificial hemispheric al flaw. The research involves a combination of theoretical study, bas ed on the 3-D finite strip method for fiber reinforced material, and e xperimental investigation. Numerical results are compared with experim ental results, and found to be in good agreement. This follows by a st udy of the effects of the damage geometry and materials properties on the mechanical behavior of the damaged plate. Theoretical and experime ntal failure analysis is developed, toward computer aided assessment o f the residual strength of damaged plate.