Optimal design of prestressed laminate/ceramic plate assemblies

It is well known that the dynamic compressive strength of ceramics is enhan ced by confining compressive stress. The paper shows how a biaxial in-plane compressive stress can be induced in a ceramic layer by encapsulation in a fiber-prestressed composite laminate. Optimal prestress distribution in in dividual plies of the laminate is found, together with the resulting residu al stresses. Large compressive stress, 600-1000 MPa can be supported in an alumina layer by aramid/epoxy or carbon/epoxy laminates of the same total t hickness as the ceramic. Stress relaxation due to either temperature change s or matrix creep is found to be of minor significance. Examples present re sults for specific material systems and laminate layups.