A variational model is presented to analyze the effect of transverse cracking in [90n/±τm]s composite laminates under uniaxial tensile loading. Crack geometry in the model is an unknown function which is determined by the derived governing equation rather than assumed shape functions. Analysis shows that the crack shape varies with crack density. Predicted results for stiffness reduction in [90n/m]s and [m/90n]s laminates indicate that the stacking sequence of laminates is important to the stiffness degradation with damage of composite materials.
Yuan, F. G. and Selek, M. C. (1993). Transverse Cracking and Stiffness Reduction in Composite Laminates , Journal of Reinforced Plastics & Composites, 12: 987-1015 .
2.
Zhang, J. , Fan, J. and Soutis, C. (1992). Analysis of Multiple Matrix Cracking in [m/90n]s Composite Laminates Part 1: In-Plane Stiffness Properties , Composites, 23: 291-298 .
3.
Zhang, J. , Fan, J. and Soutis, C. (1992). Analysis of Multiple Matrix Cracking in [m/90n]s Composite Laminates Part 2: Development of Transverse Ply Cracks , Composites, 23: 299-304 .
4.
Kashtalyan, M. and Soutis, C. (2000). Modelling Stiffness Degradation due to Matrix Cracking in Angle-Ply Composite Laminates , Plastics, Rubber and Composites, 29: 482-488 .
5.
Hu, S. F. , Bark, J. S. and Nairn, J. A. (1993). On the Phenomenon of Curved Microcracks in [(S)/90n]s Laminates: Their Shapes , Initiation Angles and Locations, Composites Science and Technology, 47: 321-329 .
6.
Adolfsson, E. and Gudmundson, P. (1999). Matrix Crack Initiation and Progression in Composite Laminates subjected to Bending and Extension , International Journal of Solids and Structures, 36: 3131-3169 .
7.
Whitney, J. M. (2001). Effective Thermo-Elastic Constants of Angle-Ply Laminates Containing 90 Degree Ply Cracks , Journal of Composite Materials, 35: 1373-1391 .
8.
Pagano, N. J. (1978). Stress Fields in Composite Laminates , International Journal of Solids & Structures, 14: 385-400 .
9.
Talreja, R. (1985). Transverse Cracking and Stiffness Reduction in Composite Laminates , Journal of Composite Materials, 19: 355-375 .
10.
Joffe, R. and Varna, J. (1999). Analytical Modeling of Stiffness Reduction in Symmetric and Balanced Laminates due to Cracks in 90 Layers , Composite Science and Technology, 59: 1641-1652 .
11.
Zhang, H. and Minnetyan, L. (in press). Prediction of Effective Stiffness in [m/90n]s Laminates due to Transverse Cracking , Journal of Composite Materials. Online. First published on March 23, 2006 as doi: 10.1177/0021998306063355.
12.
McCartney, L. N. (2000). Model to Predict Effects of Triaxial Loading on Ply Cracking in General Symmetric Laminates , Composite Science and Technology, 60: 2255-2279 .
13.
Pagano, N. J. and Soni, S. R. (1983). Global-Local Variational Model , International Journal of Solids and Structures, 19: 207-228 .
14.
Praveen, G. N. and Reddy, J. N. (1998). Transverse Matrix Cracks in Cross-Ply Laminates: Stress Transfer, Stiffness Reduction and Crack Opening Profiles , Acta Mechanica, 130: 227-248 .
15.
Reddy, J. N. (1987). A Generation of the Two-Dimensional Theories of Laminated Composite Plates , Communications in Applied Numerical Methods, 3: 173-180 .
16.
Nairn, J. A. and Hu, S. (1992). The Formation and Effect of Outer-Ply Microcracks in Cross-Ply Laminates: A Variational Approach , Engineering Fracture Mechanics, 41: 203-221 .
17.
Adolfsson, E. and Gudmundson, P. (1997). Thermoplastic Properties in Combined Bending and Extension of Thin Composite Laminates with Transverse Matrix Cracks , International Journal of Solids and Structures, 34: 2035-2060 .
18.
Marsden, W. M. , Guild, F. J.Ogin, S. L. and Smith PA (1999). Modelling stiffness-damage behavior of (45/90)s and (90/45)s glass fiber reinforced polymer laminates , Plastics, Rubber and Composites, 28: 30-39 .
19.
Noh, J. and Whitcomb, J. (2001). Effective of Various Parameters on the Effective Properties of a Cracked Ply , Journal of Composite Materials, 35: 689-712 .
20.
Varna, J. and Berglund, L. A. (1994). Thermo-Elastic Properties of Composite Laminates with Transverse Cracks , Journal of Composites Technology & Research, 16: 77-87 .
