Elasto-plastic finite element stress analysis of thermoplastic-matrix symmetric cross-ply plates with square hole

Abstract

In this study, elasto-plastic stress analysis of symmetric cross-ply reinforced thermoplastic (PVC) matrix composite laminated plates with square hole is presented. A two-dimensional computer program is developed for elasto-plastic stress analysis of laminated plates by FEM. The thermoplastic matrix is reinforced using long stainless steel fibers. The composite plates are manufactured by using molds under the action of 2 MPa pressure, and heating up to 200 °C. The laminated plate with square hole consists of four reinforced layers bonded symmetrically in (JW-Gk) cross-ply configuration. A first-order shear deformation theory, and nine node Lagrangian finite element method are used in analysis. The applied in-plane load, and the layer orientation angle are varied to obtain the corresponding variation of residual stresses, and the expansions of plastic regions for various cases. Copyright © 2000 by ASME