Strength of Composite Laminates Containing Holes and Subjected to Complex Loading Conditions

Abstract

Stress and failure analyses of composite laminates containing holes are presented. Both the finite element method (FEM) and an analytical method, based on complex stress functions, are used to determine the stress distributions around the holes. The Point Stress Criterion (PSC) and the Damage Zone Criterion (DZC) are used to predict the tensile strength of test specimens subjected to complex loading conditions. A comprehensive test program was carried out to establish criteria parameters and to generate data to validate the stress and failure analyses. For this purpose a special test fixture was designed. Good agreement between predicted and measured results was found.