Effect of Hole Diameter on Failure Load and Deformation Modes in Axially Compressed CFRP Laminates

This study presents a detailed analysis of the influence of hole presence and size on the behavior of CFRP composite plates subjected to axial compression. The plates were manufactured by an autoclave method from eight-ply laminate in a symmetrical fiber arrangement [45°/−45°/90°/0°₂/90°/−45°/45°]. Four central hole plates of 0 mm (reference), 2 mm, 4 mm, and 8 mm in diameter were analyzed. Tests were conducted using a Cometech universal testing machine in combination with the ARAMIS digital image correlation (DIC) system, enabling the non-contact measurement of real-time displacements and local deformations in the region of interest. The novel feature of this work was its dual use of independent measurement methods—machine-based and DIC-based—allowing for the assessment of boundary condition effects and grip slippage on failure load accuracy. The experiments were carried out until complete structural failure, enabling a post-critical analysis of material behavior and failure modes for different geometric configurations. The study investigated load–deflection and load–shortening curves, failure mechanisms, and ultimate loads. The results showed that the presence of a hole leads to localized deformation, a change in the failure mode, and a nonlinear reduction in load-carrying capacity—by approximately 30% for the largest hole. These findings provide complementary data for the design of thin-walled composite components with technological openings and serve as a robust reference for numerical model validation.