A [90/0](s) composite laminate with part-through matrix cracks in adjacentplies

A [90/0](s) orthotropic composite laminate with part-through matrix cracks is considered. Stress intensity factors are determined for the cracks using a linear-elastic analysis. These matrix cracks run along the fiber directi on of the individual plies. The crack-geometry considered here is one where the matrix cracks in adjacent plies form a cross-like pattern in the plan view of the laminate. The plies are assumed bonded by thin resin-rich adhes ive layers. These adhesive layers are modeled as distributed shear springs. Each ply of the laminate is modeled as a thin elastic orthotropic layer un der plane stress. The laminate is subject to both tensile and shear loading . The mathematical model for the stresses and displacements in the layers r educes to a pair of Fredholm. integral equations which are solved numerical ly. The stress intensity factors show a strong dependence on crack-sizes an d nature of loading. In particular, the magnitudes of the stress intensity factors for the matrix crack in the 0 degrees layer are increased significa ntly by the crack in the adjacent 90 degrees layer. (C) 2001 Elsevier Scien ce Ltd. All rights reserved.