On transverse matrix cracking in composite laminates loaded in flexure under transient hygrothermal conditions

Abstract

A simple predicted model using a modified Shear-lag method was used to represent the moisture absorption effect on the stiffness degradation for [0/90]2s composite laminates with transverse cracks and under flexural loading. Good agreement is obtained by comparing the prediction model and experimental data published by Smith and Ogin (2000). The material properties of the composite are affected by the variation of temperature and moisture absorption. The transient and non-uniform moisture concentration distribution give rise to the transient elastic moduli of cracked composite laminates. The hygrothermal effect is taken into account to assess the changes in the normalised axial and flexural modulus due to transverse crack. The obtained results represent well the dependence of the stiffness properties degradation on the cracks density, moisture absorption and operational temperature. The composite laminate with transverse crack loaded in axial tension is more affected by the hygrothermal condition than the one under flexural loading. Through this theoretical study, we hope to contribute to the understanding of the moisture absorption on the composite materials with matrix cracking.