Numerical and experimental studies on the limit state of fibre-reinforced composite columns with a lipped channel section under quasi-static compression

This study investigates the problem of limit states of composite lipped channel columns under quasi-static compression. The numerical simulations based on the finite element method were made. The limit states corresponding to the loss of load-carrying capacity of the tested structures were described by the Tsai-Wu failure criterion. The stress components were determined numerically. The authors described a research methodology for macroscopic assessment of failure of the tested composite columns based on analysis of stress components in individual laminate plies. The FE-models were verified in experimental stand tests performed on real thin-walled structures. The columns were produced by the autoclave technique. The thin-walled structures were made of carbon-epoxy composite - a laminate consisting of 8 plies symmetrically oriented.