Abstract
Matrix cracking behaviour of a set of glass/epoxy composite laminates having the [0/θ]s geometry has been investigated. The off-axis angle θ takes the value of 45°, 60°, 75° and 90° respectively. Incremental tensile tests were conducted where at each load increment the stiffness change was measured and the cracking sequence photographed. A novel technique using image analysis was used to measure the crack length and digitize the crack pattern. Stiffness loss is correlated with the matrix crack growth. The total strain energy release rate, G 101, associated with the onset and propagation of matrix cracks in the off-axis plies was determined using a compliance relationship. Matrix cracking resistance curves (R-curves) which were generated using the calculated G values are presented.
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