A finite element prediction of first ply failure and delamination in composite conoidal shells using geometric nonlinearity

Abstract

A review of the existing literature shows that there is only one research report available on failure of laminated composite conoidal shells using geometrically nonlinear strains. Thus, this paper aims for a detailed study on first ply failure and delamination predictions of laminated composite conoidal shell using von-Karman nonlinearity and first order shear deformation theory. The nonlinear equations are solved by Newton–Raphson iterative method. The failure loads of the shell are furnished for two different boundary conditions and stacking orders of cross and angle-ply laminations. The failure locations on the shell surface and failure modes/tendencies are also reported. This study finds that the SSCC boundary and 0°/90°/0° lamination should be selected by practicing engineers to achieve the maximum load carrying capacity of the conoid out of the two edge conditions considered here. Factor of safety values applicable on the failure loads are also suggested keeping due weightage to serviceability criterion.