Initiation et propagation des endommagements dans les composites stratifiés carbone-époxy^*

Damage initiation and growth in carbon-epoxy laminates

Ingénieur au Laboratoire Central de l'Aérospatiale

Abstract

This paper deals with the different types of damage which may occur during the lifetime of composite structures. Several examples are examined (transverse cracking, edge delamination, impact, holes and defects).

It is pointed out that damage may either be benéficiai or detrimental for the mechanical behaviour of the laminates.

Adequate numerical tools must be used to predict damage initiation and growth.