Progressive failure analysis of laminates in the framework of 6-field non-linear shell theory

The paper presents the model of progressive failure analysis of laminates incorporated into the 6-field non-linear shell theory with non-symmetrical strain measures of Cosserat type. Such a theory is specially recommended in the analysis of shells with intersections due to its specific kinematics including the so-called drilling rotation. As a consequence of asymmetry of strain measures, modified laminates failure criteria must be used in the prediction of the failure initiation. The model is implemented into the noncommercial numerical code of finite element method. Several examples are examined and the obtained solutions are compared with analytical, numerical and experimental results.