The solution for the stress state present in the vicinity of transverse matrix cracks within a composite laminate is typically obtained by assuming a regular crack spacing geometry for the problem and applying a shear-lag analysis. In order to explore the validity of this underlying assumption, the probability density function for the location of the next transverse matrix crack within a crack bounded region is examined. The regular crack spacing assumption is shown to be reasonable from an engineering point of view. Continuing with this assumption, a generalized shear-lag model for multilayer, off-axis laminates subjected to full in-plane loads is developed. This model is used to quantitatively evaluate the effective elastic properties of the damaged material. The results are applicable to materials such as ceramic matrix or polymer matrix unidirectional fiber systems where damage in the form of transverse matrix cracks arises.

Issue Section:
Gas Turbines: Vehicular
Topics:
Composite materials, Elasticity, Modeling, Fracture (Materials), Laminates, Shear (Mechanics), Stress, Ceramics, Damage, Density, Fibers, Geometry, Polymers, Probability
1.
Garrett
K. W.
, and
Bailey
J. E.
,
1977
, “
Multiple Transverse Fracture in 90° Cross-ply Laminates of a Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polyester
,”
J. Matl. Sci.
, Vol.
12
, pp.
157
–
168
.
2.
Laws
N.
, and
Dvorak
G. J.
,
1988
, “
Progressive Transverse Cracking in Composite Laminates
,”
J. Comp. Matl.
, Vol.
22
, pp.
900
–
916
.
3.
Lee
J. W.
, and
Daniel
I. M.
,
1990
, “
Progressive Transverse Cracking of Crossply Laminates
,”
J. Compos. Matl
, Vol.
24
, pp.
1225
–
1243
.
4.
Nuismer
R. J.
, and
Tan
S. C.
,
1988
, “
Constitutive Relations of a Cracked Composite Lamina
,”
J. Comp. Malt
, Vol.
22
, pp.
306
–
321
.
5.
Oh
H. L.
, and
Finney
L.
,
1970
, “
On the Location of Fracture in Brittle Solids—I: Due to Static Loading
,”
Int. J. Frac. Mech.
, Vol.
6
, pp.
287
–
300
.
6.
Reifsnider, K. L., 1978, “Mechanics of Failure of Composite Materials,” Proc. 10th Symposium on Naval Structural Mechanics, George Washington University, Washington DC, pp. 317–331.
7.
Talreja
R.
,
1985
, “
Transverse Cracking and Stiffness Reduction in Composite Laminates
,”
J. Comp. Matl.
, Vol.
19
, pp.
355
–
375
.
8.
Tsai, C.-L., Daniel, I. M., and Lee, J.-W., 1990, “Progressive Matrix Cracking of Crossply Composite Laminates Under Biaxial Loading,” Microcracking Induced Damage in Composites, AMDIII/MD22, G. J. Dvorak and D. C. Lagoudas, eds., ASME, pp. 9–18.
9.
Wetherhold
R. C.
,
1991
, “
The Sensistivity of Fracture Location Distribution in Brittle Materials
,”
Int. J. Frac.
, Vol.
49
, pp.
305
–
315
.
This content is only available via PDF.
Copyright © 1998
 by The American Society of Mechanical Engineers
You do not currently have access to this content.