Analysis of Transverse Cracking in [90 n /±θ m ] s Composite Laminates

Abstract

A variational model is presented to analyze the effect of transverse cracking in [90_n/±τ_m]_s composite laminates under uniaxial tensile loading. Crack geometry in the model is an unknown function which is determined by the derived governing equation rather than assumed shape functions. Analysis shows that the crack shape varies with crack density. Predicted results for stiffness reduction in [90_n/m]_s and [m/90_n]_s laminates indicate that the stacking sequence of laminates is important to the stiffness degradation with damage of composite materials.

Keywords

transverse cracking crack shape crack density stiffness reduction

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