Progressive failure analysis of 2/2 twill weave fabric composites with moulded-in circular hole

Micromechanical three-dimensional finite element models of 2/2 twill weave T300 carbon/epoxy woven fabric composite panels with moulded-in circular ho le are established for stress analysis. In these models, the streamline equ ation is used as a shape function to simulate the fibre configuration. A pr ogressive failure analysis together with a newly developed 'maximum notched strength method' are also proposed to predict the failure modes and notche d strengths of the fibre dominated laminate with moulded-in hole. Perforate d specimens of different hole sizes are prepared using a special procedure. Tension tests are performed to evaluate the stress-strain and failure char acteristics. An increase in tensile strength with increasing hole size is o bserved within the experimental data range. Numerical results from progress ive failure analysis provide good prediction to the failure phenomena of th e fractured specimens. The notched strengths from the proposed numerical pr ocedure are slightly higher than the experimental results. (C) 2001 Elsevie r Science Ltd. All rights reserved.