An Experimental Investigation into the Stacking Sequence Effects of Quasi-Isotropic Carbon/Epoxy Laminates under Compressive Loads

The effects of stacking sequence on the compressive strength for sharp notched carbon/epoxy quasi-isotropic laminates were studied experimentally. Two quasi-isotropic stacking sequences with and without central 0° plies were tested to understand the significance of the double 0° ply. From the experimental results, it was found that there was no significant difference in the strengths for the two quasi-isotropic stacking sequences considered. Further analysis using X-ray computed tomography (CT) scans of the two stacking sequences found there was a difference in the extent of damage of the micro-buckled and splitting regions, particularly within the blocked double 0° plies for SS1 and the single 0° ply next to the mid-plane.