Experimental and variational-based analytical investigation of multiple cracked angle-ply laminates

A unit cell based method is developed based on variational principles to derive the stress state and effective mechanical properties of angle-ply laminates of type [θm(o)/θn(i)]s containing whether mid-ply or outer-ply matrix cracks positioning in a symmetric or staggered pattern through the laminate. All plausible matrix crack distribution patterns are considered and implementing the principle of minimum complementary energy, an admissible...