LAUSR

In this paper, a hybrid utilisation of the continuum damage mechanics approach and some novel techniques was employed for progressive failure analysis of internally pressurised filament-wound composite tubes. The constructed numerical model in Abaqus software, which is employed for prediction of functional and burst failure of the tubes, was validated with an experimental failure evaluation available in the literature. Results show the high accuracy and precision of the proposed model. Therefore, this model can be used as a cost-effective virtual failure exam prior to experimental tests or as their alternative. Then, this validated model has been used in the second part of this paper for optimisation. Due to some drawbacks of the previous optimisation methods, by using the Taguchi approach capabilities, a novel strategy is proposed for optimisation of the stacking sequence of tubes under various stress ratios with taking into account the manufacturing winding angle restrictions. Results reveal that the obtained optimal stacking sequences are asymmetric and highly dependent on calculation strategies and applied stress ratio.