Mechanical properties and details of composite laminates for the test cases used in the third world-wide failure exercise

This paper gives details of the input data and a full description of a set of 13 test cases provided to the participants of the third world-wide failure exercise for use in their theoretical models. World-wide failure exercise is aimed at benchmarking leading methods, capable of predicting initiation and progression matrix cracking and damage and failure in composites. The originators of leading theories were requested to use the exact input data provided here in their blind predictions of the test cases. The input data include all of the elastic constants, ultimate strains and strengths and the nonlinear stress–strain curves for the unidirectional laminae and their constituents. Various types of laminates, chosen for the analysis, are described together with the lay-up, layer thicknesses, stacking sequences and the loading conditions. Detailed instructions, issued to the contributors, are also presented at the end of this paper.