Numerical Simulation Study on Failure Prediction of FRP Laminate Composite Using COMSOL Multiphysics®

In this research paper, the structural integrity of a laminated FRP composite shell is evaluated for certain types of applied loads and made the design of such structure reliable. The selected materials are CFRP, GFRP and KFRP. Finite element simulation is performed to model failure of FRP laminate loaded in-plane axial tensile load. The stacking sequence of the laminate is [90/-45/45/0]. Seven failure criteria modes (Tsai–Wu anisotropic, Tsai–Wu orthotropic, Tsai–Hill, Hoffman, modified Tsai–Hill, Azzi–Tsail–Hill and Norris) are used to predict the failure in the laminate composite. The analytical values of failure index and safety factor for certain failure criteria are calculated based on the theory. The analytical results of Tsai–Wu orthotropic, modified Tsai–Hill and Hoffman criteria, the failure index and safety factors are compared with COMSOL Multiphysics. The safety factor indicates how close the component is failed. The Hoffman safety factor at the mid-plane is close to failure as expected because of its orientation, where fibers are perpendicular to the loading direction.