Accuracy Analysis of Classical Lamination Theory and Finite Element Method for Fiber Reinforced Composites under Thermomechanical Loading

The most commonly used composite structure is fiber-reinforced composite, which comprises of matrix and fiber. Due to their superior longitudinal strength but poor transverse strength, layers of composites are stacked in different angular orientations to form laminates, further enhancing the mechanical properties in multiple directions. Hence, laminated composites are utilized for various real-world applications such as infrastructure and automobile structure; thus, it is crucial to accurately assess the overall laminate performance under various loading situations. However, the most common approaches for structural analysis of laminated composites such as finite element method and classical lamination theory yield only approximate values. In this study, we explored the discrepancies between stress and strain values calculated by finite element method, classical lamination theory and experimental data. We applied thermomechanical load in different directions on fiber-reinforced single ply and laminated ply with $[ 0^{\circ}, 90^{\circ}, 0^{\circ}]$, $[\pm 45^{\circ}]_{4}$, and $[0^{\circ}, 90^{\circ}]$ 4 structures. Then, we analyzed the stress-strain, strain-strain and strain-temperature curve to highlight the discrepancy by comparing the slope values.