Numerical design optimization of the fiber orientation of glass/phenolic composite tubes based on tensile and radial compression tests

Phenolic-based composite tubes are being used in industry due to their high fire resistant and lower yields of heat and toxic fumes. These tubes can be better designed by changing the ply-orientation to meet desired performance requirements. This study aims to numerically evaluate the influence of the winding angle and stacking sequence on the mechanical performance of glass/phenolic composite tubes subjected to tensile and radial compression loadings. An extensive study, using the LS-DYNA finite element software, was employed to obtain the optimal ply angle and layup condition of the tubes. The numerical results were in good agreement with the experimental data. Failure modes, tensile stress versus percentage elongation behavior, load–displacement behavior, and stiffness of the tubes were investigated. The behavior of the tubes was found to be highly dependent on the winding angles and stacking sequence, i.e., the specimens with fibers at ± 75° and ± 80° presented the best radial compressive characteristics, whereas those wound at ± 55° performed better under coupon tensile testing. In addition, following the design guidelines of using balanced, symmetric, and homogeneous stacking sequence with 10% of plies in the ± 45° , instead of the classical unidirectional ply [ ±θ] can lead to significantly improved optimal designs.