The characteristics of the matrix crack growth were studied experimentally and analytically. A probabilistic-analytical method, the "Characteristic Curve Method (CCM)" is developed to correlate the initial defects and matrix crack densities. The concepts of the "equivalent applied loading" and the "equivalent crack density" are introduced to reveal the physical essence of the matrix cracking and eliminate the different matrix crack growth features in different laminates. Several characteristic curves for matrix crack growth of different materials are established and some similar material constants which control the matrix crack growth are found. The prediction of the matrix crack initiation and the saturation crack density are summarized, combined with the CCM approach, the whole matrix crack growth processes in many CFRP and GFRP laminates subjected to static loadings can be predicted well.
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