Finite element modeling strategies for sandwich composite laminates under compressive loading

This paper deals with the buckling behavior of composite sandwich columns under compressive loading. Namely, finite element (FE) modeling strategies are discussed with the aim to test a suitable and cost effective solution for assessing the buckling behavior of delaminated sandwich laminates.Indeed, pleasure craft industry is now facing the challenge of thinner and thinner skin laminates. Buckling, that in past years was not a governing limit state because of rather high thicknesses and of limited spans of structural elements, should be now assessed possibly accounting for actual defects, i.e. delaminations, and applying straightforward but cost-effective approaches, easy to implement in the everyday practice of composite hull structural design.A suitable test case, available in open literature, was selected and results of the proposed modeling strategy are compared with experimental ones as well as with other numerical estimates, showing its capabilities and addressing hints for FE application.

► Pleasure craft industry is facing the challenge of thinner and thinner laminates.
► Buckling is now a governing limit state to be assessed possibly considering defects.
► Straightforward but cost effective approaches are needed by shipbuilding industry.
► Comparisons with tests confirm that the proposed modeling strategy is effective.
► Delaminations and layers interactions are assessed even in post buckling behavior.