Cross reinforcement in a graphite-epoxy laminate

摘要

Interlaminar shear strength of an aircraft wing made of graphite-epoxy laminate is significantly increased by embedding thin steel wires in preselected locations of high stress in alternating rows +/-45 DEG to the plane of the laminate before it is cured. This cross wire reinforcement prevents brittle delamination, arrests propagation of delamination and reduces scatter of interlaminar strength.