Study on tensile properties of composite laminates with gap defects

The mechanical properties of composite laminates with gap defects are studied both experimentally and numerically. Based on the experimental research, a finite element model of composite laminates with gap defects is established ABAQUS software, Hashin stress failure criterion and Camanho stiffness degradation model is used to analyse the mechanical properties of composite laminates with gap defects under tensile load. By comparing with the results of ideal composite laminates, the influence of the existence of defects on the matrix and fibre damage and interface damage of the laminates is discussed. The feasibility and effectiveness of the finite element method are verified by comparison with experiments. The results show that the existence of gap defects under the tensile load will lead to the stress concentration distribution of laminate and reduce the ultimate strength of the laminate.