Modelling of 90° Ply Cracking in Crossply Laminates, Including Three-Dimensional Effects

The mechanics of transverse ply cracking in crossply composite laminates is examined in detail. A three-dimensional finite element model has been developed. This has been used to calculate fracture mechanics parameters associated with transverse ply crack growth across the width of a glass fibre reinforced epoxy (GFRP) laminate. The pre dictions of the model are shown to be in good agreement with existing shear-lag analyses and experimental results from the literature. The finite element analysis provides addi tional insight into the mechanics of the problem; in particular it is shown that variations of fracture mechanics parameters as a transverse crack grows across the width of a lami nate are minor.

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