Comparison between experimental and theoretical results using Cuntze’s “failure mode concept” model for composites under triaxial loadings—Part B of the second world-wide failure exercise

Abstract

This paper represents a comparison between the predictions of Cuntze’s Failure Theory, referred to as ‘failure mode concept model, and experimental results provided in Part B of the second World-Wide Failure Exercise. The results covered 12 test cases, involving an isotropic matrix material, 7 UD laminas and 4 multi-directional laminates subjected to 3D states of stress. The UD lamina data, needed for the validation of the failure mode concept-based UD strength conditions, were broadly applicable, whereas the laminate data could only partly serve for model verification because some test cases show some discrepancies. Also, there was a lack of test data in some of the test cases and it is concluded that there is a need to obtain more representative test data. Nevertheless, a good mapping could be achieved by the applied strength conditions dedicated to the specific test case.