Laminated Composites in Compression: Free-edge Effects

Abstract

This chapter excerpts material from a series of tests of thick laminated composites in compression.¹ As illustrated in Fig. 7.1, the graphite/epoxy specimens were cut from thick-walled cylinders with two different stacking sequences (i.e., the sequence of fiber directions in successive plies of the laminate). They are called quasi-isotropic and cross-ply laminates. In-plane and interlaminar compression tests were conducted, with the compressive loads applied parallel and perpendicular to the plies, respectively. Note that the coordinate system maintains x perpendicular to the plies and y parallel to the plies. The loading fixture of Fig. 4.10 was used.