Modeling the Effect of Damage in Composite Structures: Simplified Approaches

Chapter 4Delaminations

4.1 Introduction

Any separation between two adjacent plies in a lay-up is called a delamination (Figure 4.1). A delamination occurs any time an out-of-plane load causes local inter-laminar stresses that exceed the strength of the thin matrix layer between plies.

Figure 4.1 Delamination in a composite lug after transverse loading

The out-of-plane loads can be mechanical or hygrothermal. Mismatch in Poisson's ratios, coefficients of mutual influence (ratio of in-plane axial to out-of-plane shear strains) or swelling coefficients can cause local out-of-plane stresses. In addition, delaminations can occur as a result of other local failures such as matrix cracks. For example, matrix cracks in adjacent plies of different orientations may cause a delamination at the ply interface. This is shown schematically in Figure 4.2, where a 90° ply is shown above a 0° ply. Even though the static loading does not cause local damage which will lead to a delamination, it is likely that fatigue loading will.

Figure 4.2 Intersecting matrix cracks causing a delamination at the ply interface

For some geometries such as the one shown in Figure 4.3, matrix cracks can evolve into delaminations under fatigue loads. Even low cyclic loads eventually crack the matrix in the ...