On Laminate Configurations for Simultaneous Failure

Abstract

A particular class of laminated composites is presented where all layers fail simul taneously. Lamiante configurations and loading conditions for simultaneous failure are ob tained for laminated composites under in-plane loads. The present paper also shows the optimal laminate configurations to maximize the in-plane strength for graphite/epoxy composites. Tsai-Wu criterion is used as a first ply failure strength criterion. The particular failure strength characteristics are shown for graphite/epoxy composites. The strength characteristics of the laminate configurations for simultaneous failure are compared with those of the optimal ones. It is shown that the laminate configurations for simultaneous failure are optimal only for a special loading condition.