Application of FEM on first ply failure of composite hypar shells with various edge conditions

This study aims to accurately predict the first ply failure loads of laminated composite hypar shell roofs with different boundary conditions. The geometrically nonlinear finite element method (FEM) is used to analyse different symmetric and anti-symmetric, cross and angle ply shells. The first ply failure loads are obtained through different well-established failure criteria including Puck\'s criterion along with the serviceability criterion of deflection. The close agreement of the published and present results for different validation problems proves the correctness of the finite element model used in the present study. The effects of edge conditions on first ply failure behavior are discussed critically from practical engineering point of view. Factor of safety values and failure zones are also reported to suggest design and non-destructive monitoring guidelines to practicing engineers. Apart from these, the present study indicates the rank wise relative performances of different shell options. The study establishes that the angle ply laminates in general perform better than the cross ply ones. Among the stacking sequences considered here, three layered symmetric angle ply laminates offer the highest first ply failure load. The probable failure zones on the different shell surfaces, identified in this paper, are the areas where non-destructive health monitoring may be restricted to. The contributions made through this paper are expected to serve as important design aids to engineers engaged in composite hypar shell design and construction.