Nonlinear first ply failure analysis of composite skewed hypar shells using FEM

This paper uses the finite element method (FEM) considering geometrically nonlinear strains to study the first ply failure of laminated composite skewed hypar shell roofs through well-established failure criteria along with the serviceability criterion of deflection. Apart from validating the approach through solution of benchmark problems, skewed hypars with different practical parametric variations are studied for failure loads and tendencies. First ply failure zones are also identified to suggest design and non-destructive monitoring guidelines to the practising engineers. Recommendation tables regarding the design approaches to be adopted in specific cases and factor of safety values needed to be imposed on first ply failure load values for varying shell curvatures are also suggested in this paper. Providing practical inputs to design engineers is the main achievement of the present study.