Edge Effects in Angle-Ply Composite Laminates*

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a zeroth-order solution for edge effects in angle-ply composite laminates obtained using perturbation tech niques and a limiting free body approach. The general solution for [±θ] laminates is applied to the special case of a [±45]_s graphite/epoxy lamin ate. Interlaminar stress distributions are obtained as a function of the laminate thickness-to-width ratio h/b and compared to finite difference results. The solution predicts stable, continuous stress distributions, determines finite maximum tensile interlaminar normal stress σ_z, and provides mathe matical evidence for singular interlaminar shear stresses τ _xz and τ_yz in [±45] graphite/epoxy laminates.