A comparison of the predictive capabilities of current failure theories for composite laminates: additional contributions

Following the publication of an article by Soden, Hinton and Kaddour (Compos Sci Technol, V58, pp. 1225–54, 1998), which compared the predictions of 14 internationally recognised failure theories for fibre reinforced polymer composite laminates, the present paper extends that comparative study to include five more theories, supplied by their originators. Evaluation of the predictive capabilities of the additional theories was carried out in an identical manner to the original study. The same test cases were utilised, covering a wide range of lay-ups, materials and in-plane loading conditions. The results (initial and final failure envelopes and representative stress–strain curves) have been superimposed to show similarities and differences between the predictions of the 19 theories. Final failure predictions for the additional theories fall within the existing range obtained from the original 14 theories but the initial failure predictions for the additional theories have widened the previously observed range. Comments are provided on the possible reasons for the increased spread.