Influence of ply cluster thickness and location on matrix cracking evolution in open-hole composite laminates

Abstract

The influence of cluster thickness and its position on the damage evolution of open-hole composite laminates, subjected to uniaxial in-plane tensile loads, is studied in this work. The Discrete Damage Mechanics model of Barbero-Cortes augmented by a fiber damage criterion is employed. Several stacking sequences with clusters in different positions and thicknesses inside the laminate are analyzed. The influence of cluster thickness and its location on: the crack-density evolution, applied load, longitudinal stress and its contour plots is studied for all the stacking sequences selected.The authors are indebted for the financial support of this work to the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (grant number DPI2013 42240 R)