Improving damage resistance and load capacity of thin-ply laminates using ply clustering and small mismatch angles

Thin-ply composite laminates are currently receiving researchers’ attention due to their specific advantages in delaying or even suppressing some damage mechanisms such as matrix cracks. Lower load capacity during impact event is one of the main factors against thin-ply laminates use. This paper presents novel thin-ply laminate design with improved damage resistance and load capacity. First, the effect of mismatch angle on damage resistance and...