ABSTRACT
Free edge stresses are critical for design of composite structures, but they cannot be predicted by mechanics of materials methods. However, an approximate method is presented that allows one to compare different laminates with regards to their free edge stresses under various loading conditions without resorting to finite element simulations. Furthermore, finite element modeling using Abaqus is explained to calculate free edge stresses, Poisson mismatch, mutual influence, as well as interlaminar forces and moments.
