Interlaminar Strengthening Concepts for Polymer Matrix Composites

During the last few decades, one of the most prevalent issues associated with the performance of aerospace composite materials has revolved around low interlaminar mechanical properties. The innovations described in this work outline a number of new and improved techniques for advancing the state of the art in composite design and manufacturing, and are focused primarily on enhancements in interlaminar tensile (ILT) and interlaminar shear (ILS) strengths. All concepts are introduced from a technical perspective, but are intended to provide a high degree of flexibility and feasibility in a practical shop environment.