Applicability of the crack tip element analysis for damage prediction of composite T-joints

The expanding application of polymeric composite materials in the Aerospace industry has led to the extension of its application to other industries such as the marine industry. A typical joint between the hull and bulkhead used in a monocoque structure is known as a T-joint. It consists of composite overlaminates over a shaped fillet to allow the transmission of direct and membrane shear stresses. The CTE (crack tip element) method offers the capability to provide accurate results with minimum computational resources. It is also an excellent damage prediction tool for composite laminates where oscillatory singularity exists at the crack tip. This paper describes the application of the CTE method for damage prediction of the T-joint. Issues involved in the current modeling approach and recommended solutions are discussed.