Abstract: Based on the shear-lag theory , a layering shear-lag model taking into account the interfacial damage wasproposed and the st ress redist ributions for notched cross-ply laminates under tension were analyzed , f rom whichboth the length of the interfacial damage area and st ress concent ration factors in intact fibers at root of the notchwere obtained. On the basis of the knowledge of these st ress redist ributions , the tensile failure mechanism andst rengths of notched cross-ply laminates were studied by using a micro-statistical f racture theory. Consequently , therelation between residual tensile st rength and interfacial shear st rength was obtained quantitatively. The present result s are in good agreement with the existing experiment and show that both the st ress concent ration and st rengthare related to the interfacial shear st rength and the residual tensile st rength is relatively high when the interfacial cohesion is appropriate.