This study presents an approach that uses the refined zigzag element, {2,2} RZE in conjunction with progressive failure criteria to predict the ultimate strength of composite laminates based on only ply-level strength properties. The methodology involves four major steps: (1) Determination of accurate stress and strain fields under complex loading conditions using {2,2} RZE -based finite elemen...

This article features a large statistical database on the tensile properties of natural fibre reinforced composite laminates. The data presented here corresponds to a comprehensive experimental testing program of several composite systems including: different material constituents (epoxy and vinyl ester resins; flax, jute and carbon fibres), different fibre configurations (short-fibre mats, uni...

1 2004 (1) References [1] M. Cho and S. Y. Rhee. Optimization of laminates with free edges under bounded uncertainty subject to extension, bending and twisting. International Journal of Solids and Structures, 41:227–245, 2004. [2] C. Lin and Y. Lee. Stacking sequence optimization of laminated composite structures using genetic algorithm with local improvement. Composite Structures, 63:339–345, ...

The impact damage response of balsa core sandwich composite plates with S2-glass/ epoxy reinforced facesheets is evaluated by impacting them with a spherical steel projectile at single impact locations. The impact damage can significantly reduce the structural integrity and load bearing capacity of a composite structure. Under high velocity impact loading, laminated composites experience signif...

In the present study, vibration of cylindrical laminates with different layers and angles were studied. In order to actuate and polarize in radial direction, a piezoelectric layer was located at outer surface of composite shell. Laminates were assumed long enough so that plane strain state analysis in 2D can be used properly. In order to satisfy the boundary conditions, variables in terms of Fo...

imperialist competitive algorithm (ica) is a new socio-politically motivated global search strategy. the ica is applied to hybrid composite laminates to obtain minimum weight and cost. the approach which is chosen for conducting the multi-objective optimization was the weighted sum method (wsm). the hybrid composite laminates are made of glass/epoxy and carbon/epoxy to combine the lightness and...

Imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA) is a new socio-politically motivated global search strategy. The ICA is applied to hybrid composite laminates to obtain minimum weight and cost. The approach which is chosen for conducting the multi-objective optimization was the weighted sum method (WSM). The hybrid composite Laminates are made of glass/epoxy and carbon/epoxy to combine the lightness and...

The mode I interlaminar fracture toughness of stitched and unstitched composite laminates of continuous UD flax fiber and epoxy matrix was experimentally and numerically investigated. A twistless flax fiber yarn was used for stitching purpose. The mode I interlaminar energy release rate of the unstitched and stitched laminates was experimentally determined through Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) t...

The first form of damage in composite laminates is often matrix microcracks that are defined as intralaminar or ply cracks across the thickness of the ply and parallel to the fibers in that ply (see reviews in [1,2]). Tensile loading, fatigue loading, environment, and thermal cycling can all lead to microcrack formation. Microcracks can form in any ply that has a significant component of the ap...

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM Cyclic thermal fatigue has demonstrated a significant influence of the thicknesses of luting composite and ceramic in crack propensity of porcelain laminates. PURPOSE This study was conducted to define potentially involved parameters for crack development in porcelain laminates bonded to teeth. Finite element modeling was used to evaluate the respective effects of luting ...