Compressive strength of composite laminates with terminated internal plies

Composite laminates are commonly tapered by terminating internal prepreg plies, creating geometrical defects which can induce failure. In this study, experiments have been conducted on tapered laminates loaded in axial compression. Failures by microbuckling or delamination were observed to nucleate near the dropped plies. The results indicate that existing models of microbuckling give adequate predictions of strength in specimens with mild geometric defects, while a new model given here for delamination provides satisfactory predictions of strength for more severe defects.