Analysis of delaminations in laminates

Abstract

Delamination is a common form of damage that may develop during manufacture or service, causing degradation of the performance of structural components. Generally, high interlaminar stresses induce delaminations. Methods of analysis, with the capability for interlaminar stress estimation, are useful to identify potential delamination sites. Delamination fracture/growth analysis of critical regions of the laminate is necessary to evaluate the delamination tolerance capability. Combined use of these two approaches may be used to design laminates against delamination and to evaluate delamination criticality. In this paper, theoretical models of laminates with emphasis on interlaminar stress estimation are discussed. A finite element scheme, with a facility for the combined use of three dimensional and two dimensional elements is indicated as an economical tool for the analysis of stresses in delaminated panels. The compressive load carrying capability of panels with through delaminations is also discussed.