Characterization of Matrix Crack-Induced Laminate Failure—Part II: Analysis and Verifications

Abstract

A two-part investigation was performed to study the stiffness response and strength of composite laminates subjected to uniaxial tension. In Part I, experimental testing was performed to characterize the matrix crack-induced damage progression and failure modes in composite laminates under uniaxial tension loading conditions. In Part II, analytical models were developed to account for the damage modes observed in the experimental investigation. Models for matrix crack-induced delamination, matrix crack-induced microcracking, and matrix crack-induced edge delamination were developed. Model predictions were compared with experimental data. The proposed models were integrated and implemented in the computer code, PDCell. The code was then used to predict the stiffness response and failure of composite laminates subjected to tensile loading. Code predictions were used to evaluate the effects of ply orientation, ply group thickness, loading direction, and stacking sequence on laminate tensile strength. The predictions from the code were compared with available test data in the literature.