Influence of ply cluster thickness and location on matrix cracking evolution in open-hole composite laminates

The influence of cluster thickness and its position on the damage evolution of open-hole composite laminates, subjected to uniaxial in-plane tensile loads, is studied in this work. The Discrete Damage Mechanics model of Barbero-Cortes augmented by a fiber damage criterion is employed. Several stacking sequences with clusters in different positions and thicknesses inside the laminate are analyzed. The influence of cluster thickness and its location on: the crack-density evolution, applied load, longitudinal stress and its contour plots is studied for all the stacking sequences selected.