Assessment of the fundamentals of failure theories for composite materials

• Published in: Composites science and technology Vol. 105; pp. 190 - 201
• Main Author: Talreja, Ramesh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 10.12.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: A. Polymer–matrix composites (PMCs); Applied sciences; Assessments; B. Fiber–matrix bond; B. Strength; C. Failure criterion; Composite materials; Exact sciences and technology; Failure; Failure analysis; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Laminates; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymera konstruktionsmaterial; Polymeric Composite Materials; Remedies; Technology of polymers; B. Strength; B. Fiber–matrix bond; A. Polymer–matrix composites (PMCs); C. Failure criterion; B. Fiber-matrix bond; Laminate; Mechanical model; Unidirectional fiber material; Fiber reinforced material; Theoretical study; Mechanical properties; Polymer; Compressive strength; Fracture criterion; Modeling; Composite material; A. Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs); Manufacturing defect; Numerical simulation; Fracture mode
• ISSN: 0266-3538; 1879-1050; 1879-1050
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2014.10.014

Failure theories for composite materials have been a subject of concern for almost half a century. Numerous theories have been proposed over the years, but none of them has successfully predicted the full range of observed behavior. This paper critically reviews some of the main theories in an effort to understand their deficiencies. Rather than seek their validity by comparison with test data, the assumptions and analyses underlying the proposed theories are examined. Certain remedies are proposed to the current approaches to achieve a failure analysis procedure with a potential to succeed in predicting the complex failure behavior of composite materials.