This paper on "Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Ply Drop-Offs in Composite Structures" was presented at the NAFEMS World Congress on Design, Simulation & Optimisation: Reliability & Applicability of Computational Methods - 9-11 April 1997, Stuttgart, Germany.

Summary

Non-crimp fabrics are attracting interest as a low cost manufacturing method for composite structures. In order to tailor material thickness to loading requirements, ply drop-offs are necessary. The step of the ply drop-off in non-crimp fabric material is greater than with unidirectional prepreg material. resulting in higher stress/strain concentration. In this study, three-dimensional finite element analysis of ply drop-off in non-crimp fabric material under compressive loading is undertaken. The numerical predictions are compared to experimental results.