Composite failure prediction of single-L joint structures under bending

In this article, the single-L peel joint is investigated under bending deformation. The angled L-piece is the critical component regarding composite delamination failure. The failure load and location were predicted by a numerically stabilised damage model and validated by experimental results. The dependence of the failure strength based on the moment arm and applied displacement was investigated. Numerical optimisation was performed regarding geometry and lay-up of the L-piece. Furthermore, the failure under a combination of bending and tensile displacement was investigated numerically. The method was shown to be versatile and successful in predicting the experimental outcome. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.