Scale effect on unnotched and open-hole cross-ply glass fiber/epoxy non-crimp fabric (NCF) composites under quasi-static tensile loading

Abstract

This study explores the effect of size scaling and stacking sequence on the quasi-static tensile behavior of sublaminate-level and ply-level scaled glass/epoxy laminates. Test results showed that the unnotched tensile strengths of both scaled specimens were comparable for a given scaling factor, even though ply-level scaled specimens suffered extensive delamination between and ply blocks. In contrast, the open hole tensile (OHT) strength was reduced with increased scale in sublaminate-level and was marginally increased in ply-level scaled specimens. Similar to unnotched specimens, ply-level scaled OHT specimens exhibited extensive delamination.