Prediction of laminate delamination from strength failure of interlaminar matrix-layer

Prediction of laminate delamination can be achieved by assessing strength failure of an interlaminar matrix-layer inserted in between the laminae, but the thus obtained matrix-layer stresses are generally out of expectation. In this paper, two MCs (modification coefficients) determined from the loads for measuring Modes I and II interlaminar fracture toughnesses are utilized to refresh the normal and shear stresses of matrix-layer, so that the matrix-layer would fail before a laminate failure. This method proves appropriate to simulate delamination induced by different loads. Once the modified stresses of a matrix-layer element fulfill a strength failure condition, it is deleted and the two adjacent lamina elements are delaminated from each other. The delamination behavior and its influence on the ultimate load sustainability of the laminate are investigated. Good correlation between predicted and measured results under different loading modes confirms the efficiency of this work.