6.

Recommendations for Further Work

In view of the information obtained from the problems encountered throughout this
research the following may be recommended for improving the present simulations and
for conducting further research.

i.

Imperfection such as geometric imperfection may be included in the

finite element code in order to reduce the errors and get better finite
element results. ABAQUS offers three ways to define an imperfection: as
a linear superposition of buckling eigenmodes, from the displacements of
a static analysis, or by specifying the node number and imperfection
values directly.

ii.

In the present work only energy toughness of mode I was determined via
experimental work. In future research work, experimental test could be
extended to mode II and mix modes I + II.

iii.

Intralamina and interlamina could be included to investigate progressive

failure on composite structure in future work.

iv.

Experimental work is recommended on the parametric study on different

type of adhesive bonded joint and composite fiber orientation.

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