Hygrothermal effects on the initiation and propagation of damage in composite shells

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate the initiation and progress of damage in laminated composite shells at elevated moisture concentration and temperature due to low‐velocity impacts.

Design/methodology/approach

A finite element analysis procedure is developed to investigate the initiation and propagation of damage in laminated composite shells in hygrothermal environments.

Findings

It was found inter alia, that in the case of rise of temperature present FEM results match well with closed form solutions and that stress results at different levels of moisture concentration agree with the results published in the open literature.

Practical implications

The paper provides in‐depth insight into the progress of damage in laminated shell structures.

Originality/value

The paper investigates initiation and progress of damage in laminated composite shell structures due to low‐velocity impacts.

Citation

Ghosh, A. (2008), "Hygrothermal effects on the initiation and propagation of damage in composite shells", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 80 No. 4, pp. 386-399. https://doi.org/10.1108/00022660810882755