ABSTRACT
Ideally the objective of this chapter would be to describe analytical tools that, when combined with appropriate experimental measurements, could be used to accurately predict failure of multiangle composite laminates under general thermomechanical loading conditions. Unfortunately, we will not be able to reach this objective. Although many theories have been proposed and progress has been made, predicting failure of multiangle composite laminates with a high degree of accuracy is still beyond the state of the art. In fact, an international survey has shown that predictions obtained using leading failure theories may differ by a factor of 2 or more, even when predicting failure of simple flat or cylindrical test specimens subjected to uniform loading and uniforms temperatures and moisture content [1,2].
