Prediction of thermal cycling induced matrix cracking

Thermal fatigue has been observed to cause matrix cracking in laminated composite materials. A method is presented to predict transverse matrix cracks in a composite laminate subjected to cyclic thermal load. Shear lag stress approximations and a simple energy-based failure criteria are used to predict crack density as a function of temperature. Prediction of crack density as a function of thermal cycling is accomplished by assuming that fatigue degrades the material's inherent resistance to cracking. The method is implemented as a computer program. Simple experiments provide data on progressive cracking of a laminate with decreasing temperature, and on cracking induced by thermal cycling. Correlation of the analytical predictions to the data is very good. A parametric study using the analytical method is presented which provides insight into material behavior under cyclical thermal loads.