Failure analysis of a frangible laminated composite canister cover

Abstract

The static burst strength of a frangible laminated composite canister cover subjected to uniform pressure is studied via both theoretical and experimental approaches. The frangible canister cover, which is fabricated with four plate-like laminated composite parts, is designed to fail in a predetermined pattern. The stress distribution in the canister cover is determined using the finite element method and the failure of the cover is identified on the basis of a failure criterion. A number of laminated composite canister covers were fabricated and subjected to static burst pressure testing. The failure modes of the frangible covers are studied and the experimental results are used to verify the theoretical predictions. Close agreements between the experimental and theoretical results have been observed. The canister covers that had been tested did fail in accordance with the predetermined pattern.