DAMAGE TOLERANCE OF COMPOSITE TUBES UNDER COMPRESSIVE LOADING
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Herein, integrated testing and analytical predictions of damage tolerance of graphite/epoxy composite tubes under compressive loading are presented. Initially undamaged and subsequent damaged specimens were loaded to failure in compression. Impact damage was simulated by drilled circular holes and moderate-velocity ballistic projectiles. Axial compressive strength of the tube decreased exponentially as material area removed from the tube increased. Also, experimentally determined axial moduli decreased with increasing hole size. Impact by a 22-caliber projectile reduced compressive strength as much as a 508 cm (2 in.) diameter drilled hole. Concomitant with the experimental work, a series of numerical simulations were performed using a finite element analysis code. Numerical simulation proved to be effective in identifying high stress regions and prediction of buckling loads. 1991.