FIRST-PLY FLEXURAL FAILURE ANALYSIS OF SYMMETRICAL CROSS-PLY LAMINATES BY THE POSTPROCESS METHOD

First-ply flexural failure analysis for symmetric cross-ply laminates has been analyzed by the postprocess method. The results are compared with those of the exact and first-order shear deformation theory. Fail ure loads are computed for transverse sinusoidally distributed loads a nd transverse uniformly distributed loads applied at the top surface o f the laminates. Analysis for various thickness ratios and number of l ayers is carried out. The layup configuration is confined to symmetric cross-ply laminates. Various failure criteria are used for the estima tion of failure loads. Under Tsai-Hill's, Hoffman, Tsai-Wu's and indep endent maximum strain criteria, the postprocess method predicts the ac curate first-ply failure loads. Furthermore, independent of thickness ratios, the postprocess method can be applied for the efficient predic tion of failure loads. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.