Beam analysis of angle-ply laminate end-notched flexure specimens

Analysis and experiments on quasi-unidirectional and angle-ply laminate end-notched flexure specimens are presented. The analysis is based on laminated beam theory incorporating first-order shear deformation theory. Compliance and strain-energy release rate determined for relatively thin unidirectional and angle-ply laminate ENF specimens were in good agreement with a previous classical plate theory formulation. For thicker laminates, however, effects of shear deformation on the compliance of the ENF specimen become significant. An experimental study on glass/polyester quasi-unidirectional and angle-ply laminate ENF specimens was conducted. Specifically, [0](6), [+/-30](5) and [+/-45](5) laminates with mid-plane delaminations were considered. Experimental compliance data agreed well with analytical predictions. The fracture toughness increased with increased angle theta at the +/-theta interface. This is attributed to the fracture work associated with the debonding of transversely oriented fiber bundles in the quasi-unidirectional plies. The angle-ply laminates displayed more yam debonding than the quasi-unidirectional laminate. For all laminates it was observed that the crack propagated in a non-uniform manner which is correlated with elastic coupling effects with cracked regions of the laminate beams. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.