Progressive failure analysis of an integral composite joint for thrust reverser cascade

The research work in this paper is focused on studying the failure behavior of an integral π-shaped laminated composite structure subjected to a bending load. A progressive damage model based on the 3D Tsai-Wu failure criterion and a developed gradual degradation model was employed to simulate and assess the load-carrying capacity, the onset and propagation of damage, and the failure mechanisms. For this unique π-shaped composite structure, disbonding was found to be the dominant damage mode under bending load, and the approximate maximum load could be maintained for a brief time during the final failure due to the gradual loss nature of the load-carrying capacity. The extent of damage was found to be more serious on the side of Rib Ⅱ compared to the other side.