Characterization and evolution of matrix and interface related damage in [0/90]S laminates under tension. Part II: Experimental evidence

A detailed numerical model based on the Boundary Element Method (BEM) to deal with the first appearance and progression of damage in a [0/90]S laminate has been developed in Part I of this paper. In this paper (Part II), first of all the effects of thermal stresses are studied in order to connect numerical predictions with experimental results. Then, the experiments carried out are described and several observations at a specific load close to the final failure are explained. These observations are correlated with the numerical predictions previously obtained. It is of particular interest to mention the arrest of the transverse cracks in the 90° lamina before reaching the interface with the 0° lamina. It is also predictable and observable that, before the transverse crack reaches the interface, localised damage appears contributing to the formation of a delamination between plies.