Through-thickness stresses in curved composite laminates and sandwich beams

An elasticity-theory-based approach is developed for delamination and flexural strength of curved layered composite laminates and sandwich beams. The governing equations in this case are derived from the results of curved orthotropic beam on an elastic foundation under flexural loading. The approach ensures an accurate description of the through-thickness and in-plane stresses in curved laminate beams. The solutions for various geometrical configurations are provided. The effects of various parameters, such as stacking sequence of the laminate, thickness of the skin, the curvature radius are also studied. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.