Characterization of Nonlinear Behavior in Woven Composite Laminates

Nonlinear stress–strain behavior in woven glass/epoxy laminates under off-axis tension has been investigated experimentally. The validity of an orthotropic plasticity model of such behavior, with three parameters, is discussed. The parameters have been determined from the experimental results. An attempt is also made to describe the nonlinear behavior of the woven composite as a cross-ply laminate using assumed unidirectional composite properties. The nonlinear behavior of the unidirectional laminate is assumed to be described by the one-parameter plasticity model. It is shown that there is a possibility that the one-parameter plasticity model can be used to predict the nonlinear behavior of woven composites.