2.

4 Failure Theories of Composite Lamina

A design of a structure is successful when the materials are used efficiently and
the structure is safe. Failure theories are developed to compare the stresses in
the material with the failure criteria. Failure criteria are usually the yield and
ultimate strength/point of the material. For a brittle material failure point is
the ultimate point in stress-strain curve; whereas, for ductile material failure
point is the yield point in the stress-strain curve.
None of the failure criteria used for isotropic materials can be used to predict
the failure of the composite lamina. Because, the weakest plane of the lamina may
not be aligned in the �principal stresses� direction. Therefore, the principal
stresses concept is used very less in the case of composite materials. Hence,
several failure theories are developed separately for composites. Related failure
theories for composites are discussed below.