Energy-dissipating composite members with progressive failure: Concept development and analytical modeling

A new concept for tailored, one-dimensional tensile composite members with sequential, progressive failure and yield-type response is presented. The concept is developed as a solution to a constrained arresting problem. Flexible composites, obtained by reinforcing an elastomeric matrix material with high-performance elastic fibers, are used to create a structure with redundant load paths and progressive failure. Three analytical model,, are developed for the prediction of response under stroke-controlled loading. The response of the tailored configuration is compared with that of conventional members of identical length, total cross-sectional area, and material properties. Analytical results confirm the predicted progressive failure sequence and yield-type response, as well as the increased energy-dissipation capability.