Compression instability growth of through-width delaminations in composite laminates is investigated. A previously developed beam model that incorporates effects of elastic restraint at the ends of the delamination is combined with a finite element superposition model that yields the Mode I (GI) and Mode II (GII) components of the strain energy release rate. Experimental data were generated for near surface delaminations over a wide range of crack lengths in unidirectional graphite/epoxy and graphite/PEEK laminates. Good agreement between experimentally observed critical loads for crack propagation and analytical predictions was observed using a linear mixed-mode crack growth criterion.

Issue Section:
Research Papers
Topics:
Buckling, Delamination, Thermoplastic composites, Fracture (Materials), Graphite, Laminates, Composite materials, Compression, Crack propagation, Epoxy adhesives, Epoxy resins, Finite element analysis, Stress
This content is only available via PDF.
Copyright © 1991
 by The American Society of Mechanical Engineers
You do not currently have access to this content.