‘C’-shaped test specimens have been used to find the interlaminar strength of woven carbon/epoxy composite laminates in tension and in combined tension with minor transverse tractions. An analytical solution for the stress distribution within the “C” specimen, of arbitrary lay-up, is developed to permit a rigorous interpretation of the results, which confirm that the presence of relatively minor through-thickness stresses will have a profound influence on the strength of the component.
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