The Influence of Stacking Sequence on Laminate Strength

Abstract

Based upon considerations relating to the nature of the inter laminar stresses in composite laminates, an approach is presented to predict the detailed stacking sequence of specific layer orientations which leads to optimum protection against delamination under uniaxial static and fatigue loadings. In particular, it is argued that the interlaminar normal stress, as well as the interlaminar shear stress, is instrumental in precipitating delamination and subsequent strength degradation. Correlation with existing experimental evidence of the stacking sequence phenomenon is presented.