An efficient numerical approach to evaluate process-induced free-edge stresses in laminated composites

This paper presents an advanced modeling approach to predict process-induced residual stresses at the free-edge of laminated structures. The numerical model is based on the Carrera Unified Formulation, a numerical tool that allows any kinematic model to be considered without an ad hoc implementation. A layer-wise kinematic model has been adopted to detect the through-the-thickness distributions of transversal stresses. The process's evolution of the material properties is obtained by the RAVEN ® software. A cure hardening instantaneously linear elastic (CHILE) constitutive model was adopted. Peeling and transverse shear stress distributions along free-edges were computed and proved to be very high and localized.