Notched Strength Prediction and Design of Laminated Composites Under In-Plane Loadings

Two models based on the first-ply-failure stresses of notched and unnotched laminates are developed for the strength prediction of composite laminates containing an opening under in-plane loadings. Comparisons show that these models provide good agreement with experimental data for quasi-isotropic and orthotropic laminates containing a circular hole or a center crack. In conjunction with these models, a ranking method is applied for the laminate designs that is found reliable and very useful.