Numerical and experimental value added of Multi-Instrumented Technological Evaluator for the analysis of thick monolithic composite structures with singularity details

In this paper, the Multi-Instrumented Technological Evaluator (MITE) is presented as an alternative approach to study the mechanical performance of composite structures with singularity details. The goal is to have an enrichment of the calculation/test correlation by means of the interaction of four complementary aspects: the composite structure, the multi-axial testing machine, the numerical models and the multi-sensor instrumentation. As a first plan, the MITE suggests the testing of a carbon–epoxy composite plate with two drop-offs under combined loads. By means of Finite Element models (FE-models), the kinematics of the testing machine is applied to the composite plate to have a first numerical approach of its behaviour. Then, the experimental campaign is accomplished with multi-instrumentation devices and techniques such as strain gauges and Digital Image Correlation (DIC). The strain values calculated by FE-model and the experimental strain data acquired by gauges and DIC are confronted in order to understand the main fracture mechanisms acting on the drop-off zones, to determine the accuracy of the measurements techniques and to assure that a correct calculation/test correlation is achieved.