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Initiation and propagation of transverse cracking in composite laminates

This paper develops a unique 3D analytical model that can accurately predict inter-laminar 3D stresses, fracturing and crack propagation in composites. The method takes into account all material parameters of all individual layers without violating the continuity of displacements and transverse stresses across material interfaces, which is a big advantage over the traditional methodologies. The method was developed through the collaborative research with NPL to develop a national design toolbox for composites-a part of the DTI Programme on Composites Performance and Design, and was also selected as a benchmark method for the World Wide Failure Exercise (WWFE-II) leading by Qinetiq.