Non-linear behavior of polymeric resin matrix composites: Modeling of laminates

This paper presents an analytical method to model the non-linear behavior of polymeric resin matrix composites. Complementary energy density is used to derive a stress-strain relation which is non-linear in uniaxial loadings in the longitudinal, transverse directions and in shear. The laminae behaviors are modeled by an n-order terms equation, with tt going from two to five according to the non-linearity behavior. This paper presents results for [mat/theta well-balanced woven/mat] E-glass/polyester laminates with high matrix ratio and shows good agreement with experimental data.