Numerical analysis of composite laminates stitched around a circular hole

Abstract

An approach is proposed to numerically study the composite laminates stitched around a circular hole. First, the local structure of stitching region is simplified and the finite element analysis is carried out. Then, the overall elastic constants of the equivalent yarns are obtained by comparing the numerical and experimental results. With this approach, the strain distributions are calculated, and the effects of stitching parameters such as edge distance, stitching needle span, row spacing, and the material and diameter of yarn are discussed on the strain concentration factors. It is indicated that the approach is valid for the existing experimental data, and can be applied to more cases of stitching enforcement.

Keywords

composite laminates with holes strain concentration stitching reinforcement stitching parameters FEA

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