Implementation of failure criteria for transverse failure of orthotropic Non-Crimp Fabric composite materials

In this paper a set of failure criteria for Non-Crimp Fabric (NCF) reinforced composites is implemented in a Finite Element (FE) software. The criteria, implemented at the ply level, predict transverse failure of NCF reinforced composites, in particular accounting for their inherent orthotropic properties. Numerical simulations are compared with tests on specimens with a generic design feature found in automotive structures. The current implementation enables correct prediction of failure mode and location.