Derivation of Best Theory Diagrams through the use of Failure Indexes

A new procedure for identifying the best structural theories is presented, with a focus on bi-dimensional models of composite plates. The proposed methodology is based on evaluating the Failure Index (FI) performed according to the Hashin criterion, here used as a control parameter to evaluate the accuracy of a specific model compared to a selected reference one. In addition, the Axiomatic/Asymptotic Method (AAM) is used considering the results obtained from static analyses carried out using the Finite Element Method (FEM), efficiently built through the use of the Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF). The Best Theory Diagram (BTD) is the outcome of this procedure to evaluate the impact of higher-order generalized variables on the quality of the solution, thus allowing for a well-informed selection of the most appropriate structural theory for a given problem.