The postbuckling failure of square composite plates with central holes is analyzed numerically
and experimentally. The particular plates studied have stacking sequences of
[± 45/0/90]25, [± 45/02]25, [± 45/06]5. and [± 45]45. A simple plate geometry, one with a hole
diameter to plate width ratio of 0.3 , is considered. Failure load, failure mode, and failure locations
are predicted numerically by using the finite-element method. The predictions are
compared with experimental results. In the experiments in order to be accomodated by the
test fixture it is necessary for the plates to be slightly larger than the analYSis region, extending
somewhat beyond the supports. The region outside the supports is included in the
numerical study. It is shown that not considering these regions can lead to erroneous numerical
predictions. In numerical failure analysis the interlaminar shear stresses, as well as
the inplane stresses, are taken into account. By comparing the interlaminar shear stress
calculations from the finite-element method with analytical results for simple cases, a solid
foundation for interlaminar shear stress calculation is established.
next to an author's name indicates that all files or directories associated with their ETD are accessible from the Virginia Tech campus network only.
![[VT]](http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/images/ETD-db/restricted.gif)
