Delamination analysis by damage mechanics: Some applications

Delamination is a phenomenon which involves complex degradation of both layers and inter-laminar connections. To take into account these degradations, the composite laminate is modeled at a meso scale as a stacking of homogeneous layers connected by interfaces. Layers and interfaces may be damaged. Both onset of delamination and its propagation on a short distance are predicted. Two applications are presented, the numerical simulations are compared with experimental results: (i) delamination in the vicinity of a straight edge of a specimen under tension or compression, (ii) delamination near the hole of a perforated plate under tension.