Intralaminar and interlaminar damage in quasi-unidirectional stratified composite structures: Experimental analysis

Abstract The purpose of this study is to provide an experimental description of the evolution of intralaminar cracking and the initiation of interlaminar damage at free edges, in quasi-unidirectional stratified fibreglass/epoxy structures. The plies in this type of structure are comprised of a strongly unbalanced fabric. In order to simplify and improve observations of interlaminar damage, a specific protocol has been developed, based on the use of a penetrant inspection dye. The results show that, although the weft proportion is small, the woven nature of the structure has a substantial influence on the appearance and progression of damage.