Experimental characterization and modeling of cylindrical CFRP structures under quasi-static multiaxial loading conditions

An experimental and numerical investigation of the cylindrical carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) struc-tures under various loads including tension/torsion loading conditions has been conducted. Various boundary conditions and parameters were taken into account to check the impact of the shear component to obtain the result. The nonlinear shear model proposed by Chang has been implemented to take into account the softening effect of the stress-strain curve caused by damage accumulation. The computational model of the thin-walled tubes contains the geometrical architecture of the material, such as interweaving, which are characteristic of the parts made by filament winding technology. The studies were preceded by preliminary tests of the individual components to predict elastic properties based on the Abolin'sh micromechanical approach. The strength pa-rameters were empirically delivered on the basis of the experimental results and used to determine the failure of the structure. The accuracy of the calibrated nonlinear shear model was validated using strain gauges and digital image correlation techniques. The strain distribution obtained from FEA was compared with that of the optical method. The damage distribution provided by FEA is exhibited in a similar manner to the real one captured by DIC. The proposed model provides a precise prediction of the CFRP tubes under quasi-static loading conditions proven by the experiments.