FAILURE BEHAVIOR OF PLAIN WEAVE FABRIC LAMINATES UNDER INPLANE SHEAR LOADING

A two-dimensional (2-D) woven fabric composite strength model is prese nted for the prediction of in-plane shear strength of 2-D orthogonal p lain weave fabric laminates under in-plane shear loading. The shear st rength studies were carried out for three idealized laminate configura tions. The possible shift of layers with respect to each other along x -, y-, and z-directions were considered for the laminates. The shear m oduli were predicted for the three idealized laminate configurations u sing the 2-D woven fabric composite stiffness model. A comprehensive e xperimental program was carried out on different material systems usin g 10-degrees and +/-45-degrees off-axis tension tests and the Iosipesc u test. A good correlation is observed between the predicted and the e xperimental results.