Input data for test cases used in benchmarking triaxial failure theories of composites

This article gives details of the input data provided for use in the Second World-Wide Failure Exercise (WWFE-II) for benchmarking triaxial failure criteria. It includes (a) three-dimensional elastic constants, ultimate strains and strengths and the nonlinear stress–strain curves for five unidirectional laminae and their constituents and (b) a description of 12 challenging test cases of 5 composite laminates, the lay-ups, layer thicknesses, stacking sequences and the loading conditions. The originators of 3D failure theories were requested to use the exact data provided here in their blind predictions of the test cases. The instructions issued to the contributors are also presented at the end of this article.