Design of composite structures reinforced curvilinear fibres using FEM

This paper describes a method of modelling a curvilinear reinforcement structure, for a composite plate with a hole that allows trajectories of fibres to be adapted to geometric discontinuities (holes, notches, bolts, etc.). For this method, it is assumed that the trajectories of fibres are curvilinear and continuous, as well as located along the trajectories of maximum principal stress. On the basis of these trajectories, the functionally graded material is simulated by means of the finite element method (FEM). Each element of this structure has its own mechanical properties, depending on the fibre direction and a change in the distance between the fibres. It is demonstrated that the maximum value of the stress concentration factor in the fibre direction for the plate with the curvilinear reinforcement structure reduces by 3.2 times in comparison with the same plate with a rectilinear reinforcement structure (orthotropic material). (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.