Progressive failure predictions for rib-stiffened panels based on multicontinuum technology

An ongoing challenge within the structural analysis community is to accurately predict damage and progressive failure in large-scale structural components composed of composite materials. Multicontinuum technology (MCT) provides a means to produce constituent (fiber and matrix) level stress and strain information within the framework of commercial finite element analysis. Constituent level stress/strain information forms the basis for a progressive failure algorithm that has successfully been used to predict coupon failure in a wide range of composite materials and laminate configurations. In this paper, MCT is used to analyze the failure of rib-stiffened panels associated with advanced composite grid-stiffened structure (AGS) designs. More specifically, MCT is used to predict and analyze the separation of the rib to skin interface for comparison with tee pulloff and tee bend test data. Predictions for the initial and final separation of the rib to skin interfaces are shown to be in good agreement with experimental test data. The results also lend insight into design and manufacturing considerations that are key to the strength and performance of the rib to panel interface. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.