Closed Form Solutions for the Interlaminar Stress Field in Angle-Ply and Cross-Ply Laminates

The solution to the problem of interlaminar stresses at a straight free edge in a com posite laminate is obtained in closed form for two special and important cases: angle-ply and cross-ply laminates. These solutions are derived using the Force Balance Method and the principle of minimum complementary energy. The results are favorably compared to the predictions of other analyses found in the literature. The solution procedure is found to be simpler and more efficient than other analytical methods. In addition, for some special cases of cross-ply laminates, the solution is shown to be identical to the predictions of a modified plate theory that includes through-the-thickness stretching.