3D finite element analysis of laminated composites under three-point bending

Abstract Delamination is considered as one of the most critical failure modes which occurs near free edges in laminated composites due to high interlaminar stress. When classical plate theory used determine plane stress, stresses cannot be assessed by this theory, it adopts stress assumption. For that, a three-dimensional finite element analysis adopted calculate in-plane well out-of-plane under three-point bending. 8-node linear brick elements C3D8R with reduced integration available ABAQUS library for meshing composite models. The flexural numerical response two main lay-up arrangements modelled: Unidirectional laminates ([0] 12 ,[90] , [45] ) and multidirectional (cross-ply [0/90] 3 S angle-ply [±45] quasi-isotropic [0/90/±45 2 ] ). Comparing current results experimental methodologies accessible literature demonstrates predictive capability present model. Therefore, study shows that formulations can predict good accuracy deflection test specimens. Whilst, significant dispersion only observed unidirectional [0] .