Three-dimensional stress analysis of cracked satin woven carbon fiber reinforced/polymer composites under tension at cryogenic temperatures

We present a thermo-mechanical stress analysis for five harness satin (5HS) woven carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite laminates with cracks under tension at cryogenic temperatures. The three-dimensional finite element model assumes the cracks to be located in the transverse fiber bundles and to span the thickness of the fiber bundles. Numerical calculations are carried out, and the Young's modulus and stress distributions near the crack fronts for two-layer and infinite-layer woven composite laminates are obtained and shown in graphical form. Results of this analysis demonstrate the effects of the residual thermal stresses and cracks on the mechanical behavior. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.