Abstract
The present investigation is concerned with the development of a theory of strength of anisotropic composite materials and the establishment of sound experimental procedures for the confirmation of the predicted results. A general theory is stated whereby the strength of laminated as well as unidirectional composite materials subjected to any state of combined stress can be predicted once the basic strength characteristics of a unidirectional layer have been determined.
The transversely isotropic layer is treated in detail and, based on the understanding of the mechanical behavior of laminated composites, the procedure outlined for determining the strength of laminated systems. An experimental program was conducted, using glass-filament-reinforced resin test spceimens, and data obtained confirmed the results predicted for the strength of unidirectional composites.
Based on the results of the analysis presented, composites may then be designed to incorporate an optimum utilization of the inherent strength characteristics of the constitutent materials.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Tsai, S. W., “Structural Behavior of Composite Materials,” NASA Rpt CR-71 (July 1964).
Azzi, V. D. andTsai, S. W., “Elastic Moduli of Laminated Anisotropic Composites,”Experimental Mechanics,5 (6),177–185 (1965).
Norris, C. B., “Strength of Orthotropic Materials Subjected to Combined Stresses,” Forest Products Lab. Rpt 1816, 1950, 1962.
Werren, F., and Norris, C. B., “Directional Properties of Glass-Fiber-Base Plastic Laminate Panels of Sizes that Do Not Buckle,” Forest Products Lab. Rpt 1803, 1949, 1956.
Erickson, E. C. O., and Norris, C. B., “Tensile Properties of Glass-Fabric Laminates with Laminations Oriented in Any Way,” Forest Products Lab. Rpt 1853, 1955, 1960.
Ashkenazi, E. K., et al., Anisotropy of Mechanical Properties of Wood and Plywood (in Russian), Goslesbumizdat (1958).
Ashkenazi, E. K., “On the Problem of Strength Anisotropy of Construction Materials,”Soviet Phys-Technical Phys.,4 (3),333–338 (Sept. 1959).
Marin, J., “Theories of Strength for Combined Stresses and Nonisotropic Materials,”Jnl Aeronautical Sciences,24 (4),265–269 274 (Apr. 1957).
Hill, R., The Mathematical Theory of Plasticity, Oxford University Press, London, 317 ff (1950).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
V. D. Azzi is Associate Professor of Mechanics, University of New Hampshire Durham, N. H.. He was formerly Research Scientist, Aeronutronic Research Laboratories
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Azzi, V.D., Tsai, S.W. Anisotropic strength of composites. Experimental Mechanics 5, 283–288 (1965). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02326292
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02326292