Analysis of first ply failure in composite laminates
1986; Elsevier BV; Volume: 25; Issue: 5-6 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/0013-7944(86)90039-1
ISSN1873-7315
AutoresGeorge J. Dvorak, Norman Laws,
Tópico(s)Composite Material Mechanics
ResumoThe mechanics of transverse cracking in an elastic fibrous composite ply is explored for the case of low crack density. Cracks are assumed to initiate from a nucleus created by localized fiber debonding and matrix cracking. It is found that cracks may propagate in two directions on planes which are parallel to the fiber axis and perpendicular to the midplane of the ply. In general, crack propagation in the direction of the fiber axis controls the strength of thin plies, while cracking in the direction perpendicular to the fiber axis determines the strength of thick plies. The theory relates ply thickness, crack geometry and ply toughness to ply strength. It predicts a significant increase in strength with decreasing ply thickness in constrained thin plies. The strength of thick plies is found to be constant, but it may be reduced by preexisting damage. Results are illustrated by comparison with experimental data.
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