Transverse cracking of composite laminates with interleaves: A variational approach

A two-dimensional shear-lag analysis predicting the effect of interlayers on transverse cracking is developed. The orthotropic nature of the material, as well as crack interactions are incorporated, and a Griffith's type fracture criterion is used to predict the transverse crack failure. The obtained stress solution satisfies the traction-free crack surface boundary conditions. The analysis results are compared to experimental data of a well characterized model material, and parametric studies identifying key parameters in mechanical behavior of interlayered composites are presented.