Important Issues in Modelling the Response and Failure of Fibre-reinforced Composites

Professor Michael Wisnom B.Sc.(Lond.), Ph.D.(Bristol), FREng, FIMechE, Professor of Aerospace Structures, School of Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering, University of Bristol

This presentation will consider how to successfully model the response and failure of composites. Some of the key differences compared with metals will be presented, including the effects of non-linear response, the importance of delamination and capturing the correct failure mechanisms. Size effects and failure criteria will also be discussed briefly.