ISSN: 1546-962X
CODEN: JAIOAD
Page Count: 14

Prediction of Effective Stiffness of a Cross-Ply Laminate with Transverse Matrix Cracks

Zhang, H
Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY

Minnetyan, L
Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY

(Received 5 March 2004; accepted 17 February 2006)

Abstract

A theoretical model based on the stationary value of total potential energy has been proposed to evaluate effective elastic constants in a cross-ply laminate with transverse matrix cracks. The method is based on the principle of minimum total potential energy. In the model, displacement fields and stress components satisfy the boundary and continuity conditions. Crack geometry is based on general functional minimization rather than assumed shape functions. Moreover, the crack shape is shown to be a function of crack density. The changes in stiffness reduction are examined theoretically. Predicted results are compared with test data.

Keywords:
effective stiffness, transverse matrix cracks, crack density, energy methods, cross-ply laminate, stiffness reduction, residual stiffness

Paper ID: JAI12822
DOI: 10.1520/JAI12822
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