Delamination characterization of laminates under tension, bending and torsion loads

• DOI: 10.1007/bf00350420
• Publication Date: 2004-10-30T13:06:49Z
• Authors: W. S. Chan; O. O. Ochoa
• Keywords: Tension (geology); Delamination; Strain energy

A two-dimensional finite-element model has been developed to calculate interlaminar stresses and strain energy release rates for the study of delamination in composite laminates subjected to tension, bending and torsion loads. This paper addresses the formulation, implementation, and verification of this element to investigate the variation of the interlaminar stresses and strain energy release rates for composite laminates. The study concentrates on establishing relationships of GI, GII, and GIII as functions of crack length and stacking sequence in laminates due to beding and torsion.