Prediction of transverse cracking in CFRP laminates with interlaminar resin layers

In recent years, interlaminar-toughened laminates are developed in which resin rich layers are placed in interlaminar regions in order to enhance the interlaminar fracture toughness of CFRP laminates. In the present study, tensile tests are conducted on CFRP cross-ply laminates with interlaminar resin layers at 0/90 interfaces. Young’s modulus reduction due to transverse cracking is measured as a function of transverse crack density. Transverse crack density is measured as a function of the laminate strain. To investigate temperature effect, tests are conducted at room temperature and 80° C. Laminate configurations are cross-ply (0/90 m /0) w=4, 8 and 12. The experimental results are compared with the theoretical prediction based on the two-dimensional analysis considering the interlaminar resin layers and thermal residual stresses.