Effect of ply angle misalignment on out-of-plane deformation of symmetrical cross-ply CFRP laminates: Accuracy of the ply angle alignment

This paper discusses the accuracy of ply angle alignment and how it relates to out-of-plane deformation in carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) laminates. We investigated the deformation of symmetrical cross-ply laminates under hot and humid conditions. In spite of the symmetrically stacked laminates, unpredictable out-of-plane deformation occurred over time due to ply angle misalignment. The deformation was unstable and disproportionate to the absorbed moisture. A Monte Carlo simulation based on laminate theory was performed to quantify the deformation induced by the ply angle misalignment. Symmetrical cross-ply laminates were found to twist as they absorbed water when they underwent ply angle misalignments. By comparing the analytical results with experimental results, we concluded that a standard deviation of approximately 0.4° exists as ply angle misalignment in the laminates used in this study and that this slight ply angle misalignment can be a significant factor in out-of-plane deformation of cross-ply laminates.