Abstract: The damage accumulation and the failure mechanism in notched graphite/epoxy laminates have been iwestigatcd by employing penetrant enhanced X-ray radiography. This method is reliable and with the help of it where the damage takes place and how the damage zone expands can be observed clearly hsherimental results indirrte that the damage zone erpanding in the vioinity of retch tip is characteristic of failme the laminates and this damage zpne takes the from of matrix crackining,local delamination hetween plies and some fibers breaking.