Failure analysis of woven laminated glass–vinylester composites with pin-loaded hole

This study deals with the bearing strength, failure mode and failure load in a woven laminated glass–vinylester composite plate with circular hole subjected to a traction force by a rigid pin. These are investigated for two variables; the distance from the free edge of the plate-to-the diameter of the hole (E/D) ratio (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), and the width of rectangular plate-to-the diameter of the hole (W/D) ratio (2, 3, 4, 5), numerically and experimentally. The numerical study is performed by using 3D FEM with assistance of LUSAS 13.4 finite element analysis program. Hashin failure criteria is used in the failure analysis. The woven glass–vinylester composite material is produced and the mechanical properties of the composite material are obtained from standard tests. Experimental results concerning damage progression and ultimate strength of the joint are obtained and compared with predictions. A good agreement is obtained between experimental results and numerical predictions.