NOTCHED STRENGTH OF FABRIC LAMINATES .1. PREDICTION

A modified two-parameter model, based on the point stress criterion of the Whitney and Nuismer fracture model, is proposed for prediction of the notched tensile strength of laminated composites. An orthotropic finite width correction factor is used to find the notched tensile strength of infinite plates. A characteristic strength ratio is proposed that is constant for a given material system. A good correlation is found between the predicted notched tensile strengths of the finite width plates and the experimental values. The results are presented for the fabric laminates of eight different lay-ups. The proposed model is simple and more accurate.