A General Method for Data Averaging of Anisotropic Elastic Constants

Abstract

Redundant experimental data are usually required to determine the best value for the whole set of compliances of an anisotropic laminate. A method is presented here to optimize the compliance tensor values using the five invariants of fourth-rank compliance tensors. A vectorial representation of those invariants is given. It provides a compact presentation of the data and reveals the experimental scatter. Experimental data obtained with bending tests on plates are used as an example to optimize the flexural compliance tensor of a laminate and to show the relevance of the method in practice.