Compression of Laminated Composite Beams with Initial Damage

Abstract

Compression testing is conducted for specimens with well-documented initial damage states obtained from three-point bend testing. Strengths and failure modes are determined for specimens with four quasi-isotropic stacking sequences and two thick nesses. Initial damage prior to compression testing is divided into three classifications based on the extent and location of the damage. These are (1) specimens with short delaminations distributed evenly through the specimen thickness, (2) specimens with few long delaminations, and (3) specimens with local fiber damage in the surface plies under the three-point bend contact point. Specimens without initial damage are also tested in order to determine the effects of the initial damage on the final compression strength and failure modes.