Intralaminar and interlaminar damage in quasi-unidirectional stratified composite structures: Experimental analysis

The purpose of this study is to provide an experimental description of the evolution of intralaminar cracking and the initiation of interlaminar damage at free edges, in quasi-unidirectional stratified fibreglass/epoxy structures. The plies in this type of structure are comprised of a strongly unbalanced fabric. In order to simplify and improve observations of interlaminar damage, a specific protocol has been developed, based on the use of a penetrant inspection dye. The results show that, although the weft proportion is small, the woven nature of the structure has a substantial influence on the appearance and progression of damage.