Thermomechanical behaviour of composite materials and structures under high temperatures .2. Structures

This paper is devoted to modelling of the thermomechanical behaviour of composite structures under high-temperature heating up to the temperature of charring of the composite. Attention is focused on the peculiarities of the behaviour of composite shells under high temperatures. It is also shown that the internal heat-mass transfer of pyrolysis gases has an essential effect on the stress state of the shell under high temperatures. Transverse stresses, which are usually neglected for composite shells, under high temperatures are indicated to be the most dangerous. These stresses can cause delamination of composite shells. A numerical analysis of the conditions of delamination for composite shells is conducted, and computed results are compared with experimental data on the thermomechanical destruction of cylindrical composite shells. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Limited.