Fracture strength of tensile loaded graphite-epoxy laminates containing cracks and circular holes

Abstract

A modified point stress criterion has been used to evaluate the fracture strength of tensile loaded graphite-epoxy laminates containing cracks and circular holes. The linear relationship between the asymptotic value of the centre cracked tension plate stress intensity factor and the fracture strength of the infinite plate was used for the evaluation of the characteristic length to predict the fracture strength of laminates having cracks and circular holes. The analytical based results were in good agreement with existing test results. © 1998 The Institute of Materials.