Thermal-mechanical analysis of satin weave CFRP composites with cracks at cryogenic temperatures

This study deals with the thermal-mechanical behavior of satin weave carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates with internal and/or edge cracks and temperature-dependent material properties under tension at cryogenic temperatures. Cracks are assumed to be located in the transverse fiber bundles and extend to the interfaces between two fiber bundles. Young's modulus and stress distributions near the crack tip under combined mechanical and thermal loads are predicted by finite element models that assume generalized plane strain. The effects of residual thermal stresses and cracks on the mechanical behavior of CFRP woven laminates at cryogenic temperatures are calculated, and the numerical results are presented in graphical form.