Three-dimensional stress analysis of free-edge effects in a simple composite cross-ply laminate

new model has been developed to analyze the free-edge effect in a symmetric cross-ply laminate. This new technique involves a three-dimensional finite element analysis that divulges the stress field at the free edge of a simple composite plate of finite dimensions. Three-dimensional 20-node quadratic brick elements were used to simulate the composite laminate. The cross-ply laminate is subjected to uniaxial tensile strain. The advantages of the “Slice Model Setup” are demonstrated in terms of computer time and memory. The slice model has been developed to simulate the actual case, and anticipated stress singularities have therefore not been induced artificially by using singular elements. The state of stress is determined and the results are favorably compared to the results of others found in the literature. The effect of thickness and width of a simple composite plate on the magnitude of stress at the free edge is also investigated. The purpose of the slice model is to create a reasonable finite element mode1 whose state of stress can undergo failure analysis and whose elements can permit the use of property degradation techniques. Copyright 0 1996 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.