Development of a finite element model for analysis of pultruded structures using thermoelastic data

Thermoelastic stress analysis (TSA) is used to determine the stress field in the through thickness direction of an orthotropic pultruded material. An economical means of experimentally obtaining the thermoelastic constant and some mechanical properties of each of the constituent layers in the pultruded structure is devised. The stresses in a bonded joint are obtained using thermoelastic stress analysis. The calibrated thermoelastic data is used to validate a finite element model of the joint. It is shown that to accurately interpret thermoelastic data from layered structure, such as that of the pultrusion, calibration is an essential step. It is also demonstrated that the thermoelastic approach provides an excellent means of validation of finite element models.