What Is the Composite Lamina Tsai-Wu Failure Criterion Calculator?
The Tsai-Wu failure criterion is an interactive tensor formulation predicting the onset of damage in anisotropic composite plies.
How Does the Composite Lamina Tsai-Wu Failure Criterion Calculator Work?
Normalizes normal and shear stresses against measured lamina strengths, utilizing a cross-coupling tensor term F12 for stress interaction.
Composite Lamina Tsai-Wu Failure Criterion Calculator Formula & Variables
The core mathematical equation utilized by this calculator is expressed as:
F_1 sigma_1 + F_2 sigma_2 + F_{11} sigma_1^2 + F_{22} sigma_2^2 + 2 F_{12} sigma_1 sigma_2 + F_{66} au_{12}^2 le 1
Tsai-Wu 2D tensor polynomial failure criterion for orthotropic composite laminas.
How to Use the Composite Lamina Tsai-Wu Failure Criterion Calculator
- Input lamina stresses (sigma_1, sigma_2, tau_12) and experimental material strengths (Xt, Xc, Yt, Yc, S).
Step-by-Step Example Calculation
Carbon/Epoxy UD Lamina Under Biaxial Tension
Input Values:
sigma1Mpa:350
sigma2Mpa:25
tau12Mpa:30
xtMpa:1400
xcMpa:900
ytMpa:60
ycMpa:140
sMpa:70
Worked Steps: Failure index FI = 0.448, Strength ratio R = 1.49 (Safe against initial ply failure).
Understanding Your Result
Outputs failure index FI (FI < 1 is safe, FI >= 1 indicates failure) and strength ratio factor R.
Factors That Affect the Result
- Transverse tensile stress sigma_2 is typically the weakest link leading to matrix micro-cracking.
When Should You Use This Calculator?
- First-ply failure analysis in aerospace structures, composite pressure vessels, and wind turbine blades.
Assumptions & Limitations
- Assumes macroscopic homogeneity and plane stress state; does not distinguish fiber vs matrix mode.
Frequently Asked Questions
Calculation Accuracy & Reference Note
Standard Tsai-Hahn formulation with F12 = -0.5 * sqrt(F11 * F22).