Abstract:

This paper presents an analysis of the tensile strength of [0/90]s,[45/- 45]s , and π/4 graphite/epoxy laminates of various finite width.It is found that, besides the delamination failure due to the interlaminar stresses, the main cause of the unduly-soon failure of the laminate lies in the fact that the strength of the delamination laminate is lower than that of the original laminate A method of modification is also given to allow for the edge-effect produced by using a specimen of finite width to measure the tensile strength of the general balanced symmetrical π/4 laminate This is an empirical approach based on the results of experiments.

Key words: laminate of finite width, edge-effect, tensile strength, composite material, interlaminar stress