Fracture of composite laminates containing cracks due to shear loading

The responses of graphite/epoxy 0/90/±45] _s , ±45]_2s , 0/90]_2s and 0/±45]_2s composite laminates with and without center cracks were studied under shear loading using the three-rail shear test. The shear stress/strain relationship, the failure mechanisms and the notched strength were analyzed. Substantial amounts of local buckling were observed in some of the laminates. The present paper shows that shear modulus can be determined accurately using the three-rail shear test with proper interpretation of data. Using the minimum strength model, only one characteristic length was needed to predict accurately the notched strength of a composite laminate under shear and tensile loadings.Paper was presented at the 1987 SEM Spring Conference on Experimental Mechanics held in Houston, TX on June 14–19.