Elasto-plastic analysis of edge effects in metal matrix angle-ply laminates

A family of silicon carbide/aluminium alloy (theta/-theta)s laminates, with theta = 0, 15,..., 90 deg, were analysed for their thermomechanical free edge effects using a quasi-3D finite element analysis with an initial stress iteration method for the elasto-plastic material behavior. Initial thermal stresses resulted in the laminates and were reported. The laminates were then subject to a uniform applied strain in the longitudinal direction of the laminate until failure occurred according to a maximum strain failure criterion. Initial thermal stresses were found to be very high in both laminates and in particular, at the free edge region. Yield zones were identified in both thermal-only and thermal-and-mechanical load cases. It was found that the initial thermal stresses had an effect to increase the strength of all laminates. The (45/-45 deg)s laminate was found to have the highest strength among all laminates considered with respect to the present loading condition.