EFFECT OF VARIOUS APPROXIMATIONS ON PREDICTED PROGRESSIVE FAILURE IN PLAIN WEAVE COMPOSITES

Three-dimensional finite element analysis was used to simulate progres sive failure of a plain weave composite subjected to in-plane extensio n. The loading was parallel to one of the tow directions. The effects of various characteristics of the finite element model on predicted be havior were examined. The predicted behavior was found to be sensitive to quadrature order, mesh refinement and the material degradation mod el. Also the sensitivity of the predictions to the tow waviness was st udied. The predicted strength decreased considerably with increased wa viness. More numerical studies and comparisons with experimental data are needed to establish reliable guidelines for accurate progressive f ailure prediction.