Edge Stresses in Woven Laminates at Low Temperatures

Abstract

Woven glass-epoxy laminates are used as nonmetallic components at low temperatures in magnetic fusion energy structures. Previous damage studies on G-10CR and G-11CR cryogenic grade woven laminates revealed that most of the damage occurred in the laminated interior. An existing, generalized plane strain, finite element model was modified to predict stress states at the laminate interior and free edges. Finite element results demonstrated that the weave geometry reduces edge stresses at low temperatures. Delamination edge stresses in woven laminates are more sensitive to small changes in temperature than those in nonwoven laminates.