Finite element analysis of damaged cross-ply composite laminates

The problem of transverse cracks in T300/5208 graphite-epoxy cross-ply laminates was studied using generalized plane strain finite element analysis. The degradation of elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio, shear modulus, and coefficient of thermal expansion was predicted and then compared with analytical models and experimental data. The elastic modulus was predicted to exhibit relatively small degradation as a function of crack density as compared to the Poisson's ratio, shear modulus, and coefficient of thermal expansion which were predicted to have large degradations. The resulting state of stress was also studied for several crack spacings. Interlaminar stresses were predicted to form as a result of the free surface of the crack. The crack tip also caused all the nonzero stresses to exhibit singular behavior at the crack tip.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Engineering Mechanics

Department dc:contributor.department

Engineering Mechanics

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Year dc:date.issued

1987

Author dc:creator

• Strauss, Elizabeth Ann

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10919/52060

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/52060