Matrix cracking in cross-ply laminates: effect of randomness

This paper presents a study of the effect of randomness in distribution of matrix cracks in [0m/90n/0m] carbon fibre-epoxy laminates. In contrast to standard approaches based on the unit cell (representative volume element), various crack distributions are introduced directly into finite element models. Magnitudes of crack spacings in 90° layers are taken from tensile fatigue experiments on T300/914C composites. The purpose of numerical simulations is to estimate the effect of the transverse crack arrangements on the character of the stress distributions in both the stiff 0° layers and the less stiff 90° layers. The influence of the crack spacing arrangement on the effective properties of laminates is discussed.