Delamination Effect on Flexural Responses of Layered Curved Shallow Shell Panel-Experimental and Numerical Analysis

Abstract

The bending responses of the delaminated composite curved (single and doubly) shallow shell panel computed numerically and validated with subsequent experimental results. The laminated shell panel model is developed mathematically with the help of two higher-order mid-plane theories and finite element method. The generalized governing equations of the shell panel model is obtained via the variational method and solved numerically using a home-made computer code developed in MATLAB. The consistency of the developed models has been established through the convergence test and validated by comparing the present numerical results with available published data including experimental values. The experimental bending results are obtained via three-point bend test of the fabricated woven Glass/Epoxy composite plate including the delamination (different size and location) and utilized for the comparison purpose. The numerical and experimental comparison reveals the necessity of the current higher-order models for the delaminated structure. In order to report the comprehensive conclusions related to the flexural strength of laminated structure with internal damage, a detailed parametric study has been carried out numerically and discussed in detail including the effect delamination (size, position and location).