A Micro-Mechanics Model for In-Situ Compression Strength of Fiber Composite Laminates

Compression failure in fiber composites is of much interest, and is often a limiting factor in applications because of the lower compressive strength relative to tensile strength. In the present work a model for compression failure of fiber composite laminates is developed. This model is based on the assumption of fiber microbuckling similar to other models in the literature, but in addition includes the support offered by the plies in the overall laminate that are adjacent to the critical axial plies. The result is that the apparent strength of the axial plies depends on the total laminate layup. The model predictions are seen to be in reasonable agreement with recent experimental data. Initial fiber waviness is included and seen to be a dominant factor in the results.