The effects of residual stress on the non-linear behaviour of composite laminates Part I. Experimental results and residual-stress assessments

This paper reports an analysis of the effects of residual stress on the non-linear behaviour of a laminate resulting from the manufacturing process. Part I of the study addresses the manufactured specimen, residual-stress assessment within laminate, and mechanical testing of non-linear behaviour. The manufactured specimens are tubes of lay-up [+phi,-phi](3). The residual stresses are assessed by using an approach developed by Paul and Vautrin. The stacking sequences of laminates were chosen to obtain residual stress fields which would differ from one laminate to another. The non-linear behaviour of laminate tubes was investigated under combined loading of tensile and internal pressure. The damage and plastic behaviour of this material are modelled in part II. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.