Mechanics of Composites

Hyonny Kim
Department of Structural Engineering
University of California, San Diego

Course Objectives
1. Understand basics of Classical Laminate Plate Theory, its
applicability as well as its limitations.
2. Gain intuitive sense of the mechanical behavior of composites.

Course Outline
Stress Strain Relationships
Transformation of Stress & Strain
Classical Laminate Plate Theory
Hygrothermal Behavior
Laminate Analysis Methodology
Failure Theories
Example Problem
Rev. 2.2 17 October 2007

1.0 Stress-Strain Relationship

1.1 Concept of Stiffness and Compliance

F = kx

x=

x
0

k = Stiffness

F,
k, E

1
F = aF
k

a = Compliance

x,

Hookes Law relating stress and strain ( = E) follows this form (F = kx).
1.2 3-D Stress
Assuming Linearly elastic material behaving according to Hookes Law.

3
33

31
13
11

Contracted notation commonly used

in composites:
1 = 11
1 = 11
2 = 22
2 = 22
3 = 33
3 = 33
4 = 23 = 23 4 = 23
5 = 13 = 13 5 = 13
6 = 12 = 12 6 = 12

32
23

12

21

22
2

Generalized Hookes Law for Homogeneous Anisotropic Material:

1

2
3
=
4
5

6

C11
C
12
C13

C14
C15

C16

C12
C 22
C 23
C 24
C 25
C 26

C13
C 23
C 33
C 34
C 35
C 36

C14
C 24
C 34
C 44
C 45
C 46

C15
C 25
C 35
C 45
C 55
C 56

C16 1
C 26 2

C 36 3

C 46 4
C 56 5

C 66 6

[C] is a symmetric 6x6 stiffness matrix with 21 independent elastic constants relating
stress and strain.

1.3 Plane Stress

Dominant Stresses are In-Plane (1, 2, and 6). Out-of-Plane stresses are negligibly small (3 =
4 = 5 = 0).

3
2

Since we only have 3 stress

components, we can express [C]
as a 3x3 matrix. Call this [Q].

1 Q11

2 = Q12
Q
6 16
1

Q12
Q 22
Q 26

Q16 1

Q 26 2
Q 66 6

1.3.1 Isotropic

Isotropic materials are characterized by E, G, and ; two are independent.

2
6
1

2
1

6
2

Biaxial Plus Shear Stresses

1
1 = (1 2 )
E
1
2 = ( 1 + 2 )
E
1
6 = 6
G
For most isotropic materials, G =

E
2(1 + )

The above equations relating stress and strain can be written in matrix form.

1

2 =

6
where:

S11 = S 22 =

S11 S12 0 1
S

S
0
21
22

2
0
0 S 66 6
1
E

S12 = S 21 =

[S] is 3x3 Compliance Matrix

S 66 =

1
G

Inversion of the above relationship yields:

1

2 =

6
where:

Q11 = Q22 = mE
with m =

Q11
Q
21
0

Q12
Q 22
0

1

2
Q 66 6
0
0

Q12 = Q21 = mE

[Q] = [S]-1

Q66 = G

1
1 2

[Q] is the 3x3 stiffness matrix relating stress in terms of strain. The zero 1-6 and 2-6 terms
indicate the absence of extension-shear coupling.
1.3.2 Transversely Isotropic

Transversely isotropic materials have properties essentially the same in directions transverse to
the fiber.
3
2

1
Local coordinate axes are defined as 1-2-3 system shown above. Local coordinates are always
oriented with each ply such that the 1-axis coincides with the fiber direction as shown. Note:
Local axes notation varies among authors, some use x-y-z based local axes definition.

Transversely Isotropic material characterized by five

Engineering Constants; four are independent.
E1
E2
G12
12
21

Youngs Modulus in fiber direction

Youngs Modulus in transverse direction
Shear Modulus
Major Poissons Ratio; 2 = 12 1
Minor Poissons Ratio; 1 = 21 2

Contracted notation for stress and

strain in 1-2-3 coordinate system:
1 = 11

1 = 11

2 = 22

2 = 22

12 = 12

12 = 212

1
1)

2)

Uniaxial in 1-dir.
1 =

Uniaxial in 2-dir.
2

1
1
E1

2 = 12 1 =

1 = 21 2 =

12
1
E1

12

12

12

Biaxial plus Shear

12

1 = 0
2 = 0

12

4)

Pure Shear

1
2
E2
=0

2 =

12 = 0

3)

21
2
E2

1
=
12
G12

1 21 2
E1
E2

1
2 = 12 1 +
2
E1
E2
1
12 =
12
G 12

1 =

2
12
1

The above equations in case (4) can be expressed in matrix form.

1 S11 S12

2 = S 21 S 22
0
0
12

S11 =

where:

1
E1

S 22 =

1
E2

0 1

0 2

S66 12

S12 =

21

= S 21 = 12
E2
E1

S66 =

1
G12

[S] is the compliance matrix of a unidirectional ply in the local coordinate system. Invert the
above relationship to get stiffness matrix [Q].
1 Q11

2 = Q 21
0
12

where:

Q11 =

E1
1 12 21

Q 22 =

E2
1 12 21

Q12
Q 22
0

0 1

0 2

Q 66 12

Q12 =

21 E1
1 12 21

[Q] = [S]-1

Q 21 =

12 E 2
1 12 21

Q 66 = G12

Note that [S] and [Q] are always symmetric and the 1-6 and 2-6 terms in these matrices are
always zero when relating stress and strain in the local coordinate system.

2.0 Transformations
Previously we developed expressions relating stress and strain in each plys local coordinate
system. Since a laminate can have several ply orientations, it is often more convenient to
express stresses and strains with respect to a fixed global coordinate system.
2.1 Coordinate Systems - Global, Local
3, z

Global Coordinates x, y, z remain fixed in

space with respect to the total laminate.
Local Coordinates 1, 2, 3 change for each
individual ply depending upon the plys
orientation.

2
y
1
+

is defined as positive in counter-clockwise

direction from the x-axis to the 1-axis.
x

2.2 Stress and Strain

We can transform Stress and Strain from Global to Local coordinate systems.
2
n2
2mn x
1 m
2

2
2mn y
m
2 = n
mn mn m 2 n 2
12
xy

where:

m = cos

2
n2
mn x
1 m
2

2
mn y
m
2 = n
2mn 2mn m 2 n 2
12
xy

n = sin

2.3 Stiffness and Compliance

Similar to stress and strain, we can transform the [S] and [Q] matrices.
[Q Global] = [T]-1[Q Local] [T]-T
m2
n2
2mn
2

2
2mn
m
where [T] = n
mn mn m 2 n 2

[S Global] = [T][S Local] [T]T

with m = cos, n = sin

Working out the matrix multiplication results in:

Q11

[Qglobal] = Q12
Q16

Q12
Q22
Q26

Q16

Q26
Q66

S11

[Sglobal] = S12
S16

S12
S22
S26

S16

S26
S66

where:
Q11 = Q11cos4 + 2(Q12 + 2Q66)sin2cos2 + Q22sin4
Q12 = (Q11 + Q22 - 4Q66)sin2cos2 + Q12(sin4 + cos4)
Q22 = Q11sin4 + 2(Q12 + 2Q66)sin2cos2 + Q22cos4

Q16 = (Q11 - Q12 - 2Q66)sincos3 + (Q12 - Q22 + 2Q66) sin3cos

Q26 = (Q11 - Q12 - 2Q66)sin3cos + (Q12 - Q22 + 2Q66) sincos3
Q66 = (Q11 + Q22 - 2Q12 - 2Q66)sin2cos2 + Q66(sin4 + cos4)

S11 = S11cos4 + (2S12 + S66)sin2cos2 + S22sin4

S12 = (S11 + S22 - S66)sin2cos2 + S12(sin4 + cos4)
S22 = S11sin4 + (2S12 + S66)sin2cos2 + S22cos4
S16 = (2S11 - 2S12 - S66)sincos3 - (2S22 - 2S12 - S66) sin3cos
S26 = (2S11 - 2S12 - S66)sin3cos - (2S22 - 2S12 - S66) sincos3
S66 = 2(2S11 + 2S22 - 4S12 - S66)sin2cos2 + S66(sin4 + cos4)
Note that the 1-6 and 2-6 terms are in general no longer zero for the global stiffness and
compliance matrices. These terms are zero for plies oriented at 0 and 90.
The reverse matrix transformations can be made from global to local coordinates by substituting
in - (for a ply with + orientation) in the above computations.

3.0 Laminates
Previously we have discussed the mechanical behavior of a single ply. Here we shall develop
stiffness and compliance relationships (matrices) for a laminate.
z

Individual Plies

Laminate

3.1 Forces and Moments

In-Plane Loads

Moments
Ny

My
Mxy

Nxy

z
Nxy

y
Nx
x
Nxy

y
Mx
Mxy

Nx

Mxy
x

Mx

Mxy

Nxy

My

Ny

Nx, Ny, and Nxy are in-plane loads per unit width (lbf/in). Mx, My, and Mxy are moments per unit
width (in-lbf/in).

Example: consider a plate of width w and total applied load N x (lbf) and moment M x (in-lbf).
The loads per unit width are:

Mx
w

Nx
lbf/in
w
M
M x = x in-lbf/in
w
Nx =

Nx

3.2 Classical Plate Theory

Kirchoffs Thin Plate Assumptions

Planes originally straight and perpendicular to the midplane remain straight and
perpendicular to the midplane.
M
z

N
x

In-plane load plus bending moment applied.

Extensional strain due to in-plane load.

strain = o

Strain linearly varying with thickness due to moment.

strain = z
is plate curvature with units of length-1

Total strain is combination of the two above cases.

total strain = o + z
o
is straining of midplane, product of z and is strain
contribution due to curvature.

3.3 Index Notation

Index notation allows matrix expressions to be written in much more compact form.
i = Qij j

where: i, j = x, y, xy for i and j ( xy xy , xy xy )

i, j = 1, 2, 6 for Qij terms

This is the same as the matrix expression weve seen before.

x Q11

y = Q12
Q
xy 16

Q12
Q22
Q26

Q16 x

Q26 y or
Q66 xy

x = Q11 x + Q12 y + Q16 xy

y = Q12 x + Q22 y + Q26 xy
xy = Q16 x + Q26 y + Q66 xy

3.4 Laminate A, B, and D Matrices

Stress components x , y , xy are functions of z.

i(z)
z
x
total thickness = H

i = Qij j = Qij (j + zj)

Ni =

H /2

H / 2

Mi =

i dz =

H/2

H / 2

H/2

H / 2

i zdz =

H/2

H / 2

H/2

H / 2

Qij jz dz =

N i = A ij oj + Bij j

Ni =

Moment Resultants:

Mi =

with

Qij jdz =

H/2

H / 2

H / 2

A ij =

H/2

D ij =

H/2

H / 2

H/2

H / 2

H/2

H / 2

M i = Bij j + D ij j

i dz

H/ 2

H/ 2

Qij oj dz +

Qij ( oj + z j )z dz =

Where:

H/ 2

i zdz

i = x, y, xy ( xy xy )

Qij ( oj + z j )dz =
H/2

H/ 2

Force Resultants:

Qij jz dz

Qij oj z dz +

H/2

H / 2

Bij =

Qijdz

Qij jz 2 dz

H/2

H / 2

Qijz dz

H / 2

Qijz 2 dz

Evaluation of Integrals -- note

Qij is constant over single ply k
m

A ij = Q ( z k z k 1 )

zm

zk

k-1

zk-1

k
ij

k =1

Bij =

1
Qijk (z 2k z 2k1 )
2 k =1

D ij =

1 m k 3 3
Qij (z k z k1 )
3 k =1

z=0

2
1

z2
z1
zo

In Matrix Form
N x A11 A12

N y = A12 A 22
N A
xy 16 A 26

A16 ox B11

A 26 oy + B12

A 66 oxy B16

B12
B22
B26

B16 x

B26 y

B66 xy

M x B11

M y = B12
M B
xy 16

B16 ox D11

B26 oy + D12

B66 oxy D16

D12
D 22
D 26

D16 x

D 26 y

D 66 xy

B12
B22
B26

The matrix form is often expressed in a more compact partitioned-matrix form.

N
=
M

A B o
B D

[A] is the extensional stiffness matrix. [D] is the bending or flexural stiffness matrix. The
presence of [B] means that there exists coupling between bending and extension of the laminate.
For isotropic materials, and some laminates, all of the coefficients of the [B] matrix are zero and
there exists no bending-extension coupling. All symmetric laminates have [B] = 0.
Inversion of the above relationship yields strains and curvatures in terms of force and moment
resultants.
o N
= T

M
Where:

= a + aB(D - BaB)-1Ba
= - aB(D - BaB) -1
= (D - BaB) -1

and

a = A-1

Note that these are all

matrices; the brackets
are left off for clarity.

Symmetric Laminates

= a = A-1

B=0
o a 0 N
=

0 d M

N
=
M

= B-1 = 0

= d = D-1

0 o

D

A
0

There is no tension-bending coupling.

N x A11

N y = A12
N A
xy 16

A12
A 22
A 26

A16 ox

A 26 oy

A 66 oxy

ox a 11
o
y = a 12
o a
xy 16

a 12
a 22
a 26

a 16 N x

a 26 N y

a 66 N xy

M x D11

M y = D12
M D
xy 16

D12
D 22
D 26

D16 x

D 26 y

D 66 xy

x d11

y = d12
d
xy 16

d12
d 22
d 26

d16 M x

d 26 M y

d 66 M xy

10

4.0 Hygrothermal Behavior

4.1 Thermal and Moisture Expansion

Moisture absorption and temperature change causes each ply to expand or contract
(hygrothermal strains).
Thermal Expansion
1T 1
T
2 = 2 T
T
12 12

Moisture Expansion
1H 1
H
2 = 2 c
H
12 12

Where T and c are change in temperature and moisture concentration (final - initial value).
1, 2, and 12 are the coefficients of thermal expansion. 1 , 2, and 12 are the coefficients of
moisture expansion. The shear expansion terms 12 and 12 are usually zero (based on local
coordinate system; not at all so in global coordinate system).
Thermal and moisture expansion coefficients transform from local to global coordinates
identically to strain. Expansion coefficients in global coordinates are then: x, y, xy and x ,
y, xy.

4.1 Thermal and Moisture Induced Loading

i = Sij j + iT + ic

i, j = x, y, xy for i , j , i , and i ( xy xy , xy xy )
i, j = 1, 2, 6 for Qij and Sij terms
j = mechanical strains = j + zj

i = Qij (j - jT - jc)
Ni =

H/2

H / 2

Mi =

H/2

H / 2

i dz = A ij oj + Bij j

H/2

H / 2

i z dz = Bij oj + D ij j

Qij j Tdz

H/2

H / 2

H / 2

Qij jTz dz

= ( M i + M + M ) = B + D ij j
T
i

H
i

Qij j c dz

H/2

H / 2

N itotal = ( N i + N Ti + N iH ) = A ij oj + Bij j
total
i

H/2

o
ij j

11

Qij jc z dz

Same as before,
N total A B o
total =

M B D

N Ti =

where:

H/2

H / 2

M Ti =

Qij j T dz = Qijk kj T( z k z k 1 )

H/2

H / 2

N Hi =

1 m k k
Qij j T( z 2k z 2k 1 )

2 k =1

Qij j T z dz =
m

H/2

H / 2

M Hi =

k =1

H/2

H / 2

Qij j c dz = Qijk kj c( z k z k 1 )
k =1

Qij j c z dz =

1 m k k
Qij j c( z 2k z 2k 1 )

2 k =1

5.0 Laminate Analysis Methodology

5.1 Formulation of Laminate A, B, & D Stiffness Matrices

The A, B, and D matrices enable the determination of how a laminate behaves mechanically.
Ply
Orientation

E 1 , E 2 , G 12 ,
12 , 21
Ply Engineering
Constants

(global)

Hooke's
Law
Plane
Stress

B & D Depend Upon

Ply Stacking
Sequence

(1)

Q
local

(2)

Transformations

Ply Local
Stiffness
Matrix

zk

A, B, D

(m)

Laminate
Stiffness
Matrices

Global Stiffness
Maxtrices
Qnty: m

are the building blocks of the Laminate Stiffness Matrices.

5.2 Ply-by-Ply Stresses and Strains

Nx
Ny
Nxy

Ply

Laminate

Mx
My
Mxy
Applied Loads

, ,
or a, d

ox, oy, oxy

x, y, xy

i = oi + zi

x, y, xy

Ply Strains in Global

Coordinate System
Strains must be
continuous through
the thickness

Laminate Strains and

Curvatures

Qk

x, y, xy

Ply Stresses in Global

Coordinate System
Stresses are
generally not
continuous through
the thickness

Transform stress and strain from global to local

for evaluating ply failure

12

5.3 Stress Distributions

Consider a laminate with two of the plies half as stiff as the other four. Variation of strain must
be continuous through the thickness of the laminate; stress does not have to be continuous since
each ply can have different stiffness.
z
2Q11
Q11

2Q11
2Q11
Q11
2Q11

5.4 Laminate Effective Moduli

It is often convenient to perform design calculations by using laminate effective moduli. This
effectively makes the assumption of an average or linear stress profile through the thickness of a
laminate. While generally far from being realistic, as discussed in section 5.3, this assumption is
good for stiffness predictions in situations where coupling is negligible or light.
Take the case of a symmetric laminate (B=0) of thickness H with in-plane loads and consider the
strain-load relationships:
o a 0 N
=

0 d M
x= xH

xy

y
xy

x = a 11 N x = a 11 x H

x = x = E x x
a 11 H
1
Ex =
a 11 H

y = a 22 N y = a 22 y H
y =

a 22 H

Ey =

Poissons Ratio is defined as:

xy =

y
x

a 12 N x
a
= 12
a 11 N x
a 11

13

= Eyy

1
a 22 H

xy = a 66 N xy = a 66 xy H
xy =

xy

a 66 H

G xy =

= G xy xy

1
a 66 H

6.0 Failure Theories

6.1 Failure Modes

v Fiber Breakage

v Matrix Cracking

v Delamination

6.2 Strength and Strain Allowables

Maximum stress or peak strain of lamina, typically determined from coupon testing.
Ply Strength Parameters:
FLtu
FTtu
su
FLT

FLcu

Longitudinal Tension
Transverse Tension
Shear

FTcu

Longitudinal Compression
Transverse Compression

Ply Strain to Failure Parameters (can be calculated from strength via. Hookes Law):
tuL
Ttu
suLT

cu
L
cu
T

Longitudinal Tension
Transverse Tension
Shear

Longitudinal Compression
Transverse Compression

6.3 Maximum Stress and Maximum Strain Failure Criteria

Compares ply actual stress (or strain) with strength allowable (or failure strain).
Maximum Stress
1
FLtu

or

1
FLcu

2
FTtu

or

2
FTcu

12
su
FLT

Maximum Strain
1
tuL
2
Ttu

Failure Mode

or

1
cu
L

fiber tensile or compressive

or

2
cu
T

matrix tensile or compressive

12
suLT

shear

Failure occurs when any above ratio is greater than one. Note that local ply stress and strain
components are used to evaluate failure.

14

6.4 Tsai-Wu Failure Criterion

Follows form of Von Mises quadratic stress failure criterion for isotropic materials:
1
( 2 1 )2 + ( 3 1 )2 + ( 3 2 )2 1 for NO failure
2S y
where: Sy = yield strength

Tsai-Wu First Ply Failure:

Tsai throws this

term out

2
Fxx 12 + Fyy 22 + Fss 12
+ Fx 1 + Fy 2 + Fs 12 + 2 Fxy 1 2 1 for NO failure

where:

Fxx =

1
F FLcu

Fyy =

tu
L

Fxy =

1
F F

tu cu
T T

Fx =

1
1
cu
tu
FL
FL

1
(Fxx Fyy )12
2

Fss =

Tsai-Wu criterion does not indicate failure modes.

6.5 Hashin Failure Criteria

Attempts to predict failure modes:

Tensile Fiber Failure, for 1 > 0
1
tu
FL

12
+ su 1
FLT

Compressive Fiber Failure, for 1 < 0

1
FLcu

Tensile Matrix Failure (matrix cracking), for 2 > 0

2

2
tu + 12
su
F LT
FT

Compressive Matrix Failure, for 2 < 0

2
2
2

2 FTcu
12
2
su + su 1 cu + su 1
FT
2 FLT 2 FLT
FLT

15

Fy =
1
su 2
LT

(F )

1
1
cu
tu
FT
FT

7.0 Example Problem

Composite beam of T300/5208 graphite/epoxy is loaded under simultaneous four point bending
and tension.
Dimensions: Length, L = 8.0 in. Width, W = 2.0 in.
Loading:
N x = 2,000 lbf
P = 50 lbf applied at 2.0 in. from the ends
At center span of the beam, determine the stresses and strains in each ply and evaluate whether
failure occurs using Maximum Stress, Maximum Strain, and Tsai-Wu failure criteria.
T300/5208 properties for unidirectional tape lamina (0.005 in. per ply):
Elastic Constants:
E1 = 26.3 Msi
E2 = 1.49 Msi
G12 = 1.04 Msi 12 = 0.28
tu
cu
Strength Data:
FL = 217 ksi
FL = 217 ksi
tu
su
FT = 5.8 ksi
FTcu = 35.7 ksi
FLT
= 9.86 ksi
P

Nx

Lay-up is: [02/452/902/-452/02]

Nx

0
0
- 45
- 45
90
90
45
45
0
0

group 5

See Cross
Section Detail

group 4
group 3
group 2

100

group 1

Mx

(in-lbf)

z = 0.025"
z = 0.015"
z = 0.005"
z = 0.0
z = - 0.005"
z = - 0.015"
z = - 0.025"

Ply Group Numbers:

Note that the lay-up is balanced, unsymmetric. Adjacent

plies of common angle orientation can be treated as
single ply groups.

0
2

x-axis (in.)

At center span, the total forces acting are N x = 2,000 lbf and M x = 100 in-lbf. Computed from
these total forces and moments are the loading per unit width which are used in the analysis:
Nx =

Nx
= 1,000
W

lbf
in

Mx =

Mx
in lbf
= 50
W
in

The methodologies presented in sections 5.1 and 5.2 can now be followed to determine the
laminate stiffness matrices, the laminate response to the applied loading, and the local
components of stress and strain in each ply. Local stress and strain components are used to
evaluate failure since strength data is available with respect to the material principal axes.

16

Analysis Results:
Laminate A, B, D and alpha, beta, delta matrices:
A11 = 7.07e+005 lbf/in
A22 = 4.58e+005 lbf/in
A12 = 1.35e+005 lbf/in
A66 = 1.66e+005 lbf/in
A16 = 0.00e+000 lbf/in
A26 = 1.46e-011 lbf/in

a11 = 1.59e-006 in/lbf

a22 = 2.60e-006 in/lbf
a12 = -2.80e-007 in/lbf
a66 = 8.56e-006 in/lbf
a16 = 2.69e-024 in/lbf
a26 = -3.38e-022 in/lbf

D11 = 2.33e+002 lbf-in

D22 = 3.23e+001 lbf-in
D12 = 1.68e+001 lbf-in
D66 = 2.32e+001 lbf-in
D16 = 0.00e+000 lbf-in
D26 = 0.00e+000 lbf-in

d11 = 4.51e-003 1/lbf-in

d22 = 4.40e-002 1/lbf-in
d12 = -1.47e-003 1/lbf-in
d66 = 5.35e-002 1/lbf-in
d16 = -1.14e-019 1/lbf-in
d26 = -1.19e-018 1/lbf-in

B11 = 0.00e+000 lbf

B22 = -5.68e-014 lbf
B12 = -1.42e-014 lbf
B66 = 5.68e-014 lbf
B16 = -1.24e+003 lbf
B26 = -1.24e+003 lbf

Laminate Effective Moduli:

Ex = 1.26e+007 psi
Ey = 7.68e+006 psi
nuxy = .176
** Note this laminate is unsymmetric, thus computing moduli is not rigorously correct.
Laminate Midplane Strains and Curvatures:
eox = 1.59e-003
eoy = -2.80e-004
kx = 2.26e-001 1/in
ky = -7.34e-002 1/in

b11 = -2.61e-023 1/lbf

b22 = -8.02e-021 1/lbf
b12 = 3.26e-022 1/lbf
b66 = -3.89e-020 1/lbf
b16 = 7.03e-005 1/lbf
b26 = 1.24e-004 1/lbf

Gxy = 2.34e+006 psi

eoxy = 1.14e-003
kxy = 7.03e-002 1/in

On-axis stresses and strains (based on each ply local fiber-oriented axes):
Ply group 1, 0 deg.:
Lower Surface
s1 = -1.06e+005 psi
s2 = 6.33e+002 psi
s12 = -6.44e+002 psi
e1 = -4.05e-003
e2 = 1.56e-003
e12 = -6.19e-004

Upper Surface
s1 = -4.69e+004 psi
s2 = 4.79e+002 psi
s12 = 8.73e+001 psi
e1 = -1.79e-003
e2 = 8.22e-004
e12 = 8.40e-005

Ply group 2, 45 deg.:

Lower Surface
s1 = -1.19e+004 psi
s2 = -9.78e+002 psi
s12 = 2.72e+003 psi
e1 = -4.44e-004
e2 = -5.28e-004
e12 = 2.61e-003

Upper Surface
s1 = 1.76e+004 psi
s2 = 1.04e+002 psi
s12 = -3.91e+002 psi
e1 = 6.69e-004
e2 = -1.18e-004
e12 = -3.76e-004

Ply group 3, 90 deg.:

Lower Surface
s1 = 2.50e+003 psi
s2 = 7.33e+002 psi
s12 = -8.18e+002 psi
e1 = 8.74e-005
e2 = 4.64e-004
e12 = -7.87e-004

Upper Surface
s1 = -1.59e+004 psi
s2 = 3.81e+003 psi
s12 = -1.55e+003 psi
e1 = -6.47e-004
e2 = 2.72e-003
e12 = -1.49e-003

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Ply group 4, -45 deg.:

Lower Surface
s1 = 8.45e+003 psi
s2 = 2.80e+003 psi
s12 = 3.50e+003 psi
e1 = 2.92e-004
e2 = 1.78e-003
e12 = 3.37e-003

Upper Surface
s1 = 1.97e+004 psi
s2 = 4.64e+003 psi
s12 = 6.61e+003 psi
e1 = 7.02e-004
e2 = 2.89e-003
e12 = 6.36e-003

Ply group 5, 0 deg.:

Lower Surface
s1 = 1.31e+005 psi
s2 = 1.91e+001 psi
s12 = 2.28e+003 psi
e1 = 4.98e-003
e2 = -1.38e-003
e12 = 2.19e-003

Upper Surface
s1 = 1.90e+005 psi
s2 = -1.34e+002 psi
s12 = 3.01e+003 psi
e1 = 7.23e-003
e2 = -2.12e-003
e12 = 2.90e-003

Failure Prediction:
Maximum Stress Ratios of Actual over Allowable:
Ply group 5, 0 deg.:
Upper Surface fiber, matrix, & shear 0.87 0.00
Lower Surface fiber, matrix, & shear 0.60 0.00
Ply group 4, -45 deg.:
Upper Surface fiber, matrix, & shear 0.09 0.80
Lower Surface fiber, matrix, & shear 0.04 0.48
Ply group 3, 90 deg.:
Upper Surface fiber, matrix, & shear 0.07 0.66
Lower Surface fiber, matrix, & shear 0.01 0.13
Ply group 2, 45 deg.:
Upper Surface fiber, matrix, & shear 0.08 0.02
Lower Surface fiber, matrix, & shear 0.05 0.03
Ply group 1, 0 deg.:
Upper Surface fiber, matrix, & shear 0.22 0.08
Lower Surface fiber, matrix, & shear 0.49 0.11

Maximum Strain Ratios of Actual over Allowable:

Ply group 5, 0 deg.:
Upper Surface fiber, matrix, & shear 0.87 0.09
Lower Surface fiber, matrix, & shear 0.60 0.06
Ply group 4, -45 deg.:
Upper Surface fiber, matrix, & shear 0.08 0.75
Lower Surface fiber, matrix, & shear 0.04 0.46
Ply group 3, 90 deg.:
Upper Surface fiber, matrix, & shear 0.08 0.70
Lower Surface fiber, matrix, & shear 0.01 0.12
Ply group 2, 45 deg.:
Upper Surface fiber, matrix, & shear 0.08 0.00
Lower Surface fiber, matrix, & shear 0.05 0.02
Ply group 1, 0 deg.:
Upper Surface fiber, matrix, & shear 0.22 0.21
Lower Surface fiber, matrix, & shear 0.49 0.40

0.31
0.23
0.67
0.36
0.16
0.08
0.04
0.28
0.01
0.07

0.31
0.23
0.67
0.36
0.16
0.08
0.04
0.28
0.01
0.07

Tsai-Wu First Ply Failure Criterion:

Ply group 5, 0 deg.:
Upper Surface 0.84
Lower Surface 0.42
Ply group 4, -45 deg.:
Upper Surface 1.20
Lower Surface 0.56
Ply group 3, 90 deg.:
Upper Surface 0.67
Lower Surface 0.11
Ply group 2, 45 deg.:
Upper Surface 0.02
Lower Surface -0.06
Ply group 1, 0 deg.:
Upper Surface 0.12
Lower Surface 0.36
Observing the results of the three failure criteria, the maximum stress and strain criteria predicts that no failure
occurs. The highest ratio (closest to failure) is present at the upper surface of ply group 5 (0 plies) in a fiber
dominated mode. The Tsai-Wu failure criterion predicts failure at the upper surface of ply group 4 (-45 plies). No
indication of failure mode is given by the Tsai-Wu criterion.

18

Short Course Exercises

1. Give examples of:

i. balanced symmetric laminate,
ii. unbalanced symmetric laminate,
iii. balanced unsymmetric laminate,
iv. unbalanced unsymmetric laminate.
2. This exercise is to help you gain an understanding of how to actually compute the A, B, and
D stiffness matrices. An intuitive sense of how a laminate behaves based on the population
of the stiffness matrices is to be instilled.
Determine the A, B, and D matrices for a laminate of [452/-452] layup. Use AS4/3501
unidirectional tape ply mechanical properties:
E1 = 20.0 Msi

12 = 0.30

E2 = 1.30 Msi

G12 = 1.03 Msi

Ply thickness: 0.005 in.

Results:
1.32 0.905 0
[A] =
1.32
0 10 5
sym.
1.03

0 4.70
0

[B] =
0 4.70 10 2
sym.
0

lbf
in

lbf

0
4.39 3.02

[D] =
4.39
0 in lbf
sym.
3.44

What do the non-zero terms in the [B] matrix mean (what sort of coupling is present)? Why are
the 1-6 and 2-6 terms in the A matrix zero? What would non-zero 1-6 and 2-6 terms in the A
matrix mean? Why are the 1-1 and 2-2 terms of the A and D matrices the same? How will the
laminate deform if a tensile load is applied in the 1-direction?

19