Multiaxial Stress States and Failure Evolution in Laminated Structural Plates under Contact Loading
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65204/djes.v3i2.727Keywords:
Multiaxial stress , Dynamic loading , FEA, Fatigue and damageAbstract
Mechanical structures operating under real service conditions are frequently subjected to variable dynamic loads that generate complex multiaxial stress states and time-dependent deformation behaviour. Accurate prediction of stress distribution and structural response under such conditions is essential to ensure safety, reliability, and long-term performance. This study presents a comprehensive multiaxial stress and deformation analysis of mechanical structures subjected to variable dynamic loading, with emphasis on the combined effects of normal, shear, and cyclic stresses. The analysis is conducted using advanced finite element modelling techniques, where realistic loading scenarios are applied to simulate operational conditions. Material nonlinearities, geometric effects, and dynamic load variations are incorporated to capture the true mechanical response of the structure. Stress components are evaluated in multiple directions, and equivalent stress criteria such as von Mises and principal stress theories are employed to assess failure risks. Additionally, deformation behaviour, strain localization, and stress concentration regions are examined to identify critical zones susceptible to fatigue and structural degradation.
The results demonstrate that multiaxial loading significantly influences stress interaction and deformation patterns, leading to higher stress amplitudes and non-uniform strain distribution compared to uniaxial loading assumptions. Dynamic load variations are shown to amplify localized stresses and accelerate damage initiation, particularly in regions with geometric discontinuities. The findings highlight the necessity of multiaxial analysis in mechanical design and provide valuable insights for improving structural optimization, fatigue life prediction, and damage prevention strategies. This study contributes to a more realistic assessment of mechanical structural behavior under dynamic service conditions and supports the development of safer and more efficient engineering designs.
References
Abrate, S. Impact on Composite Structures. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 1998.
Abrate, S. Modelling of Impacts on Composite Structures. Composite Structures 2001, 51, 129–138.
Cantwell, W.J.; Morton, J. The Impact Resistance of Composite Materials—A Review. Composites 1991, 22, 347–362.
Davies, G.A.O.; Hitchings, D.; Ankersen, J. Predicting Delamination and Debonding in Laminated Composite Structures Subjected to Low-Velocity Impact. Composites Science and Technology 2006, 66, 846–854.
Hallett, S.R.; Jiang, W.G.; Khan, B.; Wisnom, M.R. Modelling the Interaction between Matrix Cracking and Delamination Damage in Composite Laminates. Composites Science and Technology 2008, 68, 80–89.
Richardson, M.O.W.; Wisheart, M.J. Review of Low-Velocity Impact Properties of Composite Materials. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing 1996, 27, 1123–1131.
Iannucci, L.; Willows, M. An Energy-Based Damage Mechanics Approach to Modelling Impact onto Woven Composite Materials— Part I: Numerical Models. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing 2006, 37, 2041–2056.
Zhang, X.; Hounslow, L.; Grassi, M. Improvement of Low-Velocity Impact and Compression-After-Impact Performance by Z-Fibre Pinning. Composites Science and Technology 2008, 68, 3394–3403.
Soutis, C. Fibre Reinforced Composites in Aircraft Construction. Progress in Aerospace Sciences 2005, 41, 143–151.
Hou, J.P.; Petrinic, N.; Ruiz, C.; Hallett, S.R. Prediction of Impact Damage in Composite Plates. Composites Science and Technology 2000, 60, 273–281.
Sun, C.T.; Chen, J.K. On the Impact of Laminated Composite Plates. Journal of Composite Materials 1989, 23, 478–492.
Schuecker, C.; Pettermann, H.E. Identification of Damage Mechanisms in Composite Laminates Subjected to Indentation. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing 2007, 38, 185–195.
Lopes, C.S.; González, E.V.; Zenkert, D.; Camanho, P.P.; Gürdal, Z. Low-Velocity Impact Damage on Dispersed Stacking Sequence Laminates. Composites Science and Technology 2009, 69, 926–936.
Feraboli, P.; Kedward, K.T. Enhanced Structural Modeling of Low-Velocity Impact on Composite Laminates. Journal of Composite Materials 2006, 40, 1943–1962.
Belingardi, G.; Cavatorta, M.P.; Duella, R. Material Characterization of a Composite-Foam Sandwich for the Front Structure of a High-Speed Train. Composite Structures 2003, 61, 13–25.
