Energy-release-rate evaluation for delamination growth prediction in a multi-plate model of a laminate composite (Q1804513)

This paper is concerned with energy-release-rate evaluation for the prediction of delamination growth in a multi-plate model of a laminated composite under the conditions of local buckling of the delaminate as well as the global buckling of the entire laminate. A general laminated composite plate is considered with single delamination of an arbitrary shape and location subjected to arbitrary buckling loads. In the multi- plate composite, the assumptions of Reissner-Mindlin theory of plate bending are used for modelling each of the delaminated and undelaminated plies. The three-dimensional \(J\)-integral and the equivalent domain integral are suitably modified and then are used to derive simple expressions for the pointwise energy release rate along a planar delamination front. A finite element modelling of the delaminated plate is used for the analysis of delamination growth under compressive loads. As an example, a simple problem of circular delamination in an isotropic plate under biaxial stress conditions is taken up, and the influence of multiple buckling on the delaminate plate and the energy release rate distribution along the delamination edge are numerically studied. The results are compared with those available in the literature. The paper is devoted to an interesting phenomenon in laminated composites, and it may be valuable to the researchers in the area of composite materials.