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Experimental and analytical comparisons of failure in thermoplastic composite laminates

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Abstract

Failure characteristics of Gr/PEEK were studied, using an experimental investigation and a fully nonlinear ply-by-ply finite-element technique. The stacking sequence of the laminates (with centrally located holes) investigated were: 0, 90, ±45 deg, (0/45/90/−45 deg)2s and (0±45/90 deg)2s. The [0 deg] laminate failure was characterized by splitting at the extremities of the hole and along the fibers. The [90 deg] laminates failed in the transverse direction, whereas the [±45 deg] laminates exhibited considerable elongation to failure. In the case of the quasi-isotropic laminates, the failure progression appeared to be due dominantly to matrix cracking followed by fiber failure. Analytical predictions of the failure process showed reasonably good correlation with the experimentally determined data.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Harris Group, Suite 200, 1801 Robert Fulton Drive, 22091-4347, Reston, VA

    R. J. Martin (Project Engineer)

  2. Structural Concepts Branch, Structures Division, Wright Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, 45433-7552, OH

    R. S. Sandhu (Aerospace Engineer)

  3. Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, 45433, OH

    A. N. Palazotto (Professor)

Authors
  1. R. J. Martin
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  2. R. S. Sandhu
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  3. A. N. Palazotto
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Martin, R.J., Sandhu, R.S. & Palazotto, A.N. Experimental and analytical comparisons of failure in thermoplastic composite laminates. Experimental Mechanics 34, 53–65 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02328442

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02328442

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