Analysis of stress and displacement fields in interlaminar-toughened composite laminates with transverse cracks

Abstract

In recent years, to enhance the interlaminar fracture toughness of CFRP laminates, interlaminar-toughened laminates have been developed with resin-rich layers in the interlaminar regions. In the present study, stress and displacement fields in interlaminar-toughened cross-ply laminates with transverse cracks are analyzed. The analysis is based on a two-dimensional model which assumes that generalized plane strain conditions prevail. Thermal residual stresses arising from a mismatch in thermal expansion coefficients of the 0°, interlaminar resin and 90° plies are considered. The analytical results are shown for the laminates with interlaminar resin layers of various thicknesses. The analysis will provide a basis for the optimal design of laminates with interlaminar resin layers.