Characterization of Matrix Crack-Induced Laminate Failure—Part I: Experiments

Abstract

An investigation was performed to study the impact of matrix cracking-initiated damage on the response and the strength of composite laminates subjected to uniaxial tension. Both experiments and analysis were conducted during the investigation. Extensive tests were performed on specimens with specially tailored ply orientations to characterize damage initiation and propagation induced by matrix cracks. The focus of the experiments was to characterize the matrix crack-induced damage progression and failure modes in composite laminates under uniaxial tension loads. Four basic damage modes were observed from the results of the study: matrix crack-induced microcracking, matrix crack-induced delamination, angle-ply-induced edge delamination, and Mode I edge delamination. The results of the experimental study are presented in this paper. Results from the analytical work will be presented in a subsequent paper.