Analysis of fatigue damage in composite laminates

An attempt is made to give a comprehensive characterization of processes of degradation in type 1 and 2 laminated composites under cyclic (fatigue) loading; based on the discovery of a 'characteristic damage state' that forms independently of load history and is determined by laminae properties, orientation and stacking sequence alone. The detailed nature of this state, its formation and its influence on strength, life and stiffness, is discussed.