bu, J, SoWI Slrwtwa Vel So, ). rP, )7J..

}U, 1991
tn.- .. GfU& In&.lia.
IJ 00+ .00
C199. Pcrp__ Praa pic
MODELING OF DELAMINATION IN COMPOSITE
LAMINATES USING A LAYER-\VISE PLATE THEORY
E. J. BARBERot and J. N. REDDvt
of Engioring and Mechanics. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and
Stale Uni\crsity. Blackshurg. VA 2->610219. U.S.A.
10 1990: in furm 30 N 1990)
Abstnd-The la)'er-\\;se laminate theory or Reddy is extended to account for multiple delami-
nations between la)en. and the computational model is developed. DeJaminatior.s
bct"un lalers of composite plates are modeled byjump discontinuity conditions at the
Geometric nonlinearity is included to capture la)'cr buckling. The strain energy release rate dis-
tribulion alonl the boundary ofdelaminations is computed by novel aJlorithm. Thecomputational
model prcKnled is \-alicbled through sa'eral numerical examples. .
I.
The objective of [his study is to characterize deJaminations in laminated composite plates
using ala)'er-\\"ise theory. \Ve wish to raise the quality of the analysis beyond that provided
by conventional. equivalent single-layer laminate theories without resorting to a full three-
dimensional analysis. A computationai model based on the .layer-wise theory of Reddy
(1987) is presented, and the model is used in the analysis of plates with delaminations.
The advantages of an equivalent single-layer theory over a3-0 analysis are many. In
the application of J-O finite elements to bending of plates, the aspect ratio of the elements
kept to a reasonable value in order to avoid shear locking. If the laminate is
modeled with 3-D elements. an excessively refined mesh in the plane of the plate needs to
be used because the thickness ofan individual lamina dictates the aspect ratio of an element.
On the other hand. a finite element model based on a laminate theory does not have the
same aspect ratio limitation because the thickness dimension is eliminated by integrating
through the laminate thickness. HO\\'ever, the hypothesis commonly used in the con-
ventional (ie. both classical and shear deformation) laminate theories leads to a poor
representation of strains in cases of interest, namely. in thick composite laminates with
dissimilar material layers.
A 2-D laminate theory that provides a compromise between the 3-D theory and con-
ventional plate theories is the layer-\\ise laminate theory of Reddy (1987), with layer-wise
continuous representation of displacements through the thickness. Although this theory is
computationally more expensive than the c'onventional laminate theories, it pred:cts the
interlaminar stresses very accurately (Reddy et 01., 1989; Barbero et al., 1990a,b). Fur-
thermore, it has the advantage of all plate theories in the sense that it is a two-dimensional
theory, and does not sutTer from aspect ratio limitations associated with 3-D finite
models_
The layer-\\ise representation of the displacements through the thickness .has proven
to be successful. Yu (1959) and Durocher and Solecki (1975) considered the case of a three-
layerplatc. (1973), Sriniv3s (1973). Sun and \Vhitncy (1972), and Seide (1980) derived
theories for laycr-\\'ise linear dispJacenlcnts. Rcissner's mixed variational principle \1,'35 used
by t.1urakami (1986) and ToJedano and Murakami (1987) to include the interlaminar
stresses as primary variables. Both continuous functions and piece-wise linear furctions
\vcre used. Reddys theory is chosen in this \\'ork hecause of the generality it in
modeling delaminations.
Delaminations bet\\een laminae are common defects in laminates, usuaJly
t Present)) Assistant Professor. IXpartment of and Aerospace Engineering. West Virginia l:niver-
sity. t.forgantown. \VV. U.S.A.
: Oiflon C. Garvin Professor.
373
either during manufacturing or during opcrationallife of the laminate (c.g., fatigue. inlpact).
Delaminations may buckle and grow in panels subjected to in-plane compressive loads.
Delaminated panels have reduced load<arrying in both the pre- and post-buckling
regimes. However, under certain circumstances. the gro\\th of dclaminations can be
arrested. An efficient use of laminated composite structures requires an understanding of the
delamination onset and growth. An analysis methodology is necessary to nlodel composite
laminates in the presence of delaminations.
Self-similar growth of the delamination along an interface bct\\'ccn layers is suggested
by the Janlinated nature of the panel. It \\"as noted by Obreimoff (1980) and Inoue and
Kobatake (1959) that axial compressive load applied in the direction of thc delamination
promotes further growth in the same direction. and two-dinlCn!\ional
models for the delamination problem \vere proposed by Chai (1982). Simitses el al. (1985).
Kachanov (1976), Ashizawa (1981), and Sallam and Simitses (1985). According to these
models, the delamination can grow only after the debonded portion of the laminate buckles.
However, the delamination can also grow due to shear modes II and III.
The spontaneous growth of a delamination \\'hile the applied load is constant is called
Ifunstable growth". If the load has to be increased to promote further delamination, the
growth is said to be "stable growth". The onset of delamination growth can be followed
by stable growth, or unstable indefinite gro\\th or even unstable growth followed by arrest
and subsequent stable growth.
In most studies the buckling load of the debonded laminate is calculated using bifur-
cation analysis (sec Chai, 1982; Simitses et a/., 1985; \Vebster. 1981 ; Bottega and Maewal,
1983). Bifurcation analysis is not appropriate for debonded laminates that have bending-
extension coupling, as noted by Simitses el al. (1985). Even laminates that arc originally
symmetric, once delaminated, experience bending-extension coupling. In general, delami-
nations are unsymmetrically located with respect to the midplane and the resulting dclami-
na-ted layers become unsymmetric. Therefore. in-plane compressive load produces lateral
deflection and the primary equilibrium path is not trivial (II- #: 0). Furthermore. bifurcation
analysis does not permit computation of the strain energy release rate.
Nonlinear plate theories have been used to anal)'zc the post-buckling behavior of
debonded laminates. Bottega and Mac\val (1985), Yin (1985). and Fci and Yin (1985)
analyzed the problem of a circular plate \\'ith concentric.. circular delamination. The von
Karman type of nonlinearity has been used in these studies.
. Most of the analyses performed have been restricted to relatively simple nlodels. The
nlaterial was assumed to be isotropic in most cases and orthotropic in a fc\v. thus precluding
the possibility of analyzing the influence of the stacking sequence and bending-extension
coupling.
The Rayleigh-Ritz method has been used by Chai (1982). Chai tl al. (1981). and
Shivakumar and Whitcomb (1985) to obtain approximate solutions to simple problems.
Orthotropic laminates were considered by Chai and Babcock (1985) and circular delami
nations by Webster (1981).
The finite method was used by \Vhitcomb (1981) to analyze through-width
delaminated coupons. Plane-strain elements \"ere used to model sections of beams, or plates
in cylindrical bending. The analysis of delaminations of arbitrary shape in panels requires
the use of three-dimensional elements, \\'ith a considerable conlputational cost. A three-
dimensional. fully nonlinear finite element analysis \\"as used by \Vhitcomb (1988). \\'here
it was noted that .' ... plate analysis is potentially attractive because it is inherently n1uch
less expensive than 3D analysis: Plate elements and multi-point constraints (MPC) have
been used by \Vhitcomb and Shivakumar (1987) to study delamination buckling and by
Wilt et al. (1988) to study free-edge delamina tions. This approach is inconvenient in many
situations. First, the MPC approach requires a large number of nodes to simuhlte llctual
contact bet\veen laminae. Second, a ne\\' plate element is added for each delamination. The
MPC approach becomes too complex for the practical situation of multiple delaminations
through the thickness. Third, all plate elements have their middle surface inrthe same plane,
which is unrealistic for the case of delaminated laminae that h3VC their middle surfllce at
different locations through the thickness of the plate.
374 E. J. BARutRO and J. N. RrIID\"

!. .
I
!
in conlrositc bminatet 375
The laycr-\\'isc theory of Reddy (1987) is extended here to model the kinematics of
multiple The theory is applied to embedded delaminations that are entirely
separated from base laminate after buckling. Numerical results are presented for a
number of problems and the results are compared to existing solutions.
TilE lAYER\VlSE PLATE THEORY
Increased use of laminated composite plates has motivated the development of refined
plate theories to overcome certain shortcomings of the classical laminate theory_ The first-
higher-order shear deformation theories (see Reddy, 1984. J989, 1990) yield
improved global response, such as maximum deflections, natural rrequencies and critical
buckling loads. Conventional theories based on a single continuous and smooth dis-
placement field through the thickness of a composite laminate give poor estimation of the
interlaminar stresses. Since important modes of failure are related to interlaminar stresses,
refined plate theories that can model the local behavior or the plate mort accurately are
required. The layer-\\Oise plate theory is shown to provide excellent predictions of the local
response. i.e., intcrlaminar stresses, in-plane displacements and stresses, etc. (Barbero,
1989). This is due to the refined representation of the laminated nature of composite plates
provided by the theory and to the consideration of shear deformation effects_ Before we
present the theory for delamination modeling, a revie\v of the basic elements of the theory
is first presented.
Consider a laminated plate composed of N orthotropic laminae, each being oriented
arbitrarily with respect to the laminate )-) which are taken to be in the
midplane of the laminate. The displacements (II" "2, u) at a point y, z) in the laminate
are assumed to be of the form (see Reddy, 1987), .
u,(.t,)',:) = u(.t, y) +Vex, )', =)
y. :) = L-(.t, J-) +V(x, }',:)
u)(:c,)" =) = ,r(.t. )'), (1)
\\'here (lI.. l\ Ir) are the displacements of a point (x, )',0) on the reference plane of the
laminate. and Uand V are functions \\'hich vanish on the reference plane:
U(x,y,O) = V(x,y,O) =O. (2)
In order to reduce the three-dimensional theory to a tYlo-dimensional one, Reddy
(1987) suggested layer-wise approximation of the variation of U and V with respect to the
thickness coordinate, =:
"
U(x, )'.. =) = Lu
J
(x, y) t/JJ (=)
ja I
"
Vex. y,:) = L I'J (x, y)tjJi (:).
J. I
(3)
u' and fl arc undetermined coefficients and ' are any piece-\vise continuous functions
that the condition
t!'i(O) =0 rorall j= It2, ... (4)
The approximation in eqn (3) can also be vie\\'ed as the global semi-discrete finite-
element approximations (Reddy, through the thickness. In that case <pi denote the
gloOJI interpolation functions. and IIi and IJ are the global nodal values of U and V (and
possihly their derivatives) at the nodes through the thickness of the laminate.
.. '" ... ::. _. "-1.
376
E. J. BAItIItO J. S. REUUY
J. A FOR THE STl:DY OF
,r
3.1. Introduction
Delamination buckling in laminated plates subjected to in-plane compressive loads is
nized as a limiting factor on the performance of coniposite struct ures. While the
accuracy (",f the analysis is of paramount importance to the correct evaluation of damage
in composItes, the cost of analysis precludes the use of three-dimensional models, This
section de"ls with the fOrJlluhuion of a lanlin;ltcd plate theory that handle nlultiplc
delaminations in composite plates.
3.2. Fornlul,:1iOIl of the ,heory
Modeling of delaminations in lanlinatcd composite plates requires an appropriate
kinematical description to allow for separation and slipping. This can be incorporated into
the layer-wise theory by proper modification of the expansion of the displacements (I)
through the thickness. The layer-wise theory can be extended to model the kinematics of a
layered with provision for delaminations, by using the following expansion of the
displacements through the thickness of the plate:
N
D
u.(x,)',=) = u(.t,))+ L t/li(:)UJ{.t.y)+ L H'(:)U/(x,y)
J-.
i-
,\'
D
U2(X, Y. z) = vex, Y) + L ;i(:)L
J
(x, y) + L Hi(:) Vi (x, y)
J. I
j- I
D
Ul(X,)1, z) = ,v(x.)') + LHi(z) Jyi(.1:,)')
J-a
(5)
where the step functions HI are computed in terms of the Heaviside step functions fI as:
(
',--
Hi(:) =H(:-:J) = 1 for Z Zj
HI(:) = H(:-:/) = 0 for : <:1' (6)
In eqn (5) 41(z) arc linear Lagrange interpolation functions, N is the number of layers used
to model the laminate and Dis the number of delaminations. The jUlnps in the displacements
at thejth delaminated interface are given by VI, Vi and IV
i
. Using the step functions HJ(z),
wecan model any nunlber of delaminations through the thickness; the nUlllber of additional
variables is equal to the number of dclaminations considered. At delaminated interfaces,
the displacements on adjacent layers remain independent, allo\\'ing for separation and
slipping.
Although nonlinear effects are important, rotations and displacements are not expected
to be so large as to require a full nonlinear analysis. Only the von Karman nonlinearity
in the kinematic equations needs to be considered.
The linear strains of the theory are
I (ell ev) J;\' '(ClI
i
CI
J
) I D (CUi i: Vi)
t =- -+ - +-"f/J' -+- H' - +-
"1 2 OJ' ex 27 cy ex 2'7 cy c.'(
cHJ
: = 0 because 0
co:
(7)
Delamination in composite laminates
I ,t; D aWl]
,_ = - - + HJ-
. 2 C) 7' c: 7' 0)'
377
(8)
where the underlined terms are due to the introduction of the delamination variables VI,
VI, WI.
The nonlinear portion of the strains are:
I (OlV)J t 'HJaW' aWl) ,aW'
".1 = - - --- +-L,H-
2 ax 2 i I ax ax ax I ax
'Ix: = '1,: = 'I: =o.
The virtual strain energy is now given by
(lOa)
where
dU
cL
is the contribution of the classical linear terms
dUC.L is the contribution of the von Kar-n:tan classical nonlinear terms
lJU
DL
is the contribution of the new linear terms [underlined in eqn (8)]
dUD,YL is the contribution of the new nonlinear terms [underlined in eqn (9)]. (lOb)
The contribution of the conventional displacements to linear terms is:
I
{
cou N I cbui olJu N J edt!
UCL = N.r -;- + LN --;:- +N.r -;-;- + LN.r-;- + -;-;- + -;- n u.t j_ I U.. u) J- I u:c t/) uX
N (cui at!) cc5U' N CO)V N
}
+ L +Qz-a + L L dA. (11) J- I (jJ u X .T j _ I ()Y j _ I
The contribution of the von Karman nonlinear terms is
(12)
318
E. J. BA'UJERO and J. N. Rwuy
The contribution of the new linear terms is
, D f. {. CcSW; ... cc5'Vi elJU' cdVJ (06U
1
C6J1')}
= L + +M'q -a- + dxdy ,_ I' v..t (ly (J.t &I) Y (IX
(13a)
where
'f",.-
The contribution of the new nonlinear terms is
i
{
D [ ; (au, ccSu- aWl) ;(0. ". 06K' aWl)
= L Mx -;- + +M,. +-;-
Q i vX vX u:C (J.t: uy uY lJ)' V)'
; (OlV Ob Wi aWi eu- ecS Wi aWI)] D D. I
+Mz, -a -;- +LLiMl x 'Y (IX uY U)' (I."C 'Y uX I J
X (aw; + OWJ) +iMii(OWi 006Wi + aWJ)
h ,
"(OW; aWi CcSW)}
+M'J ---+---- \U
0)' O.. "C O.."C 0)'
where
The boundary conditions of the theory are given below:
(13b)
(14a)
(14b)
1 .
Geometric Force
u
Nxnx+NZTn,
v
Nz,nx+Nn,
w
Q.,nx+Q,.n,.
II

I"J
...
V
j
+
Vi
+
Wi
+ (IS)
The lanlinate constitutive equations can be obtained in the usual manner (see Reddy,
1988; Barbero, 1989).
3.3. Fracture 111eclzanics anal)'sis
The deformation field obtained from the laycr-\1r'ise theory is used to compute the strain
energy release rates along the boundary of the delamination. Delminations usually exhibit
planar gro\\'th, i.e., the crack grows in its original plane. However, the shape of the crack
in composite laminates
379
rnay vary ,,"ith time. For example. a crack shape initially elliptic usually grows with variable
a'l"=ct ralio. the gro\\-th is not self-similar. a self-similar virtual
cXh:nsion \\-ill assumed in order to compute the distribution of the strain energy
ratc G(s) along the boundary of the delamination.
The virtual crack extension method postulates that the strain energy release rate can
be computed from strain energy and the representative crack length Q as:
G(s) =dU/da.
(16)
In the actual implementation or the virtual crack extension method, however, eqn (16) is
approximated by a quotient 6UIt:.a that in the limit approximates the vaNe of the strain
energy release rate G. In the Jacobian derivative method (Barbero and Reddy, 1990), the
G(s) is computed \\"ithout approximating the derivative, so it does not require that we
choose the magnitude of the virtual crack extension !la.
The boundary of a delamination is modeled as boundary conditions on the delami-
nation variables Ui, Vj, and Iyi, by setting them to zero. A self-similar virtual crack
extension of the crack (delamination) is specified for the nodes on the boundary of the
delamination. i.e. the t\\'o components of the normal to the delamination boundary are
specified for each node on the boundary. The JOM is then used at each configuration (or
load step) to compute G(s) from the displacement field.
3.4. Finite-ele,,,eIJ' nlolJel
The generalized displacements (u, D, lV, II, 01, Ul, VI, WI) are expressed over each
element as a linear combination of the I\vo-dimensional interpolation functions .pi and the
nodal (II,. L,. u,.II:.l'!. Vi, VI, n'l) as ronows:

(lit l" " .. u

l
, r
J
Vi, Vi, U'i) = L(Ui , Vi, ""i' uf, vi, U1, Vi, Wnt/li (17)
;. I
'W'here III is the number of nodes per element. Using eqn (17) in eqn (lOa), we obtain the
foJlo\ving finite element equations:
k
"
k::!
k
l2
k:
3
kk
J
{A}
{q}
,v
ki' kii
k:!)
k
2J
{AI} {ql}
I' 10


k:)
k')
{AN}
= {("} (18a)
.,.
,\"
,"D
k:'

k
J2 k))
k
J
)
{3
1
} {qJ}
II IN II
ID
kA'


k)) k))
{!D}
{qD}
01
DI DD
\\'here
{6 }T= {li It t:., ". It . , u., t'"., K.}
{11/} T- { j .j j J}
- II,. L I, ... t II"" 11ft
'6,}T - 'VI J/j VJ Vi WI}
(18b)
\ - \ I I' I,, III' "" '"
and subnlatrices [k"]. [k):], [k}'). (k;:!], [k;)l, [k!/l 'With i.j= 1, ... ,N and
r,s= I, ... ,D are given in Barbero (1989). The load vectors {q}, {ql} ... and
{qll .... , {(jn} are analogous to {6}, ... , and {AI}, ... , respectively [see
eqn (18b)]. The nonlinear algebraic system is solved by the Newton-Raphsori algorithm.
The components of the Jacobian matrix are also given in Barbero (1989).
The nonlinear equations are linearized to formulate the eigenvalue problem associated
\\"jth hifurcation (buckling) analysis:. ..,,,:.
380 E. J. 8AIt8ItO and J. S. R1.UUY
([KDJ - i.(Kc;) cJ) =0
(19)
.--
where (K
D
l is the linear part of the direcl stiffness matrix and (KG) is the geometric stiffness
matrix.
4. RESULTS
Several exa::-.ples ,; re presented in order to validate the proposed formulalion. Ana-
lytical solutions be developed for simple cases and lhey are used for conlparison with
the more general presented here.
4.1. Square thinfilnl de/(JjJlination
A thin layer delami'lated from an isotropic square plate (flexural rigidity, D) by a
concentrated load P at its center is considered. The delamination is also assumed to be
square with side 2a. Tht: base laminate is assumed to be rigid \\ith respect to the thin
delaminated layer. An ar. alytical solution for the linear denection and strain energy release
rate can be derived assuming that the delaminated layer is clamped to the rigid base
laminate. Due to the biaxual symmetry, a quadrant of the square delamination is analyzed
using 2 x 2 and Sx 5 of nine-node elements. Either the clamped boundary condition
is imposed on the boundar y ofthe delamination or an additional band of elements with a
closed delamination is placed around the delaminated area to simulate the nondelaminaled
region. Both moeels produce consistent results for transverse deflections and average strain
energy release A fine mesh is necessary to obtain a smooth distribution of the strain
energy release rat: Galong the boundary of a square delamination. The linear solution for
P = 10 compares well with the analytical solution (see Fig. I). The linear and nonlinear
maximum delamination opening Wand average strain energy release rate Gilt' as a function
of the applied load P are shown in Fig. 2. It is evident that the membrane stresses caused
10.0,......--------....
__ Uneor P.10
__ Nonlinear p.SO
__ _ _ Nonlineor P., 00
00000 Closed-form P.10
1.0
2.0
"aa 1.0
"-
o
d 4.0
-0
0.0 +-------------,,..=11I-..
0.0 0. , 0.2 O.J 0...
x/a
Fig. I. or the strain energ), rele35e rate along the boundary or a squ3re delamination
due to concentrated J03d.
t.-
f
7.0 ----------....
1.0 -O/o"P
r
__ NonJir.eor
- - wnecr
0.0 +----r--"I..---.--a-"'..--,..... OOO
1.0
'.0

wO/c
'
p
4.0
GAvO/p2 J.O
p
Fig. 2. delamination opening U anu 3\Crag\.' slrJin energy rate according to
nonlinear analysis of a square c:lJrninJlion.
.,
in comrosite LlminaltS 381
by the geometric nonlinearity reduce the m3gnitude of the a\'erage strain energy release
rate considerably (\Vhitcomb and Shivakumar. 1987).
4.2. Thill fib" cylilldricul buckling
In this cxanlplc "'e consider an isotropic thin la}er delaminated from a thick plate in
its entire \\'idth. Due to symmetry. only one half of the length of the plate strip is modeled
with the cylindrical bending assumptions and a nonunifonn mesh of seven elements. The
cylindrical bending assumption is satisfied by restraining aJl degrees of in the y-
direction. The baselaminale is considered to be much more rigid than the thin delaminated
layer so that it will not buckle or denect during the postbuckling of the delaminated layer.
First, an eigenvalue (buckling) analysis is performed to obtain the buckling load and
corresponding mode shape. Then a nonlinear solution for the postbucJcling configuration
is sought. Excellent agreement is found in thejump discontinuity displacements Uand W
across the delamination. The values of delamination opening Wand strain energy release
rate G are shown in Figs 3 and 4 as a function of the applied load, where t
n
is the critical
strain at which buckling occurs for a delamination length of 2a (see Yin, )988).
4.3. A.,isyIJu',etric circular delanlination
Axisymmetric buckling of a circular, isotropic, thin-film delamination can be reduced
to a onc-dimensional boundary-value problem by means of the classical plate theory (CPT).
One quadrant of a square plate of total width 2b with a circular delamination of radius a
"" 1.0
...
::-
,
..
0

0.1 .......,

c:
0.1
.2
U
..! 0.4

"
-> 0.2 .,
c
0
"-
.-
J.-N.
__ CI()sed-form
Present study
Fig. 3. ,imum delamination 0rtninl U' (or a thin film buckled delamination.
2.0
N.
-----...,,...
1.8
1.4
1.2
__ Closed-form
o a Present study
r
, .0
0
.
0
.0 2.0 30 4.0 5.0
re;ecse rete
Fig. 4. Strain energy rekas<: rate for buckled thin film delamination.
382 E. J. BAkHlJlO ;and J. N. RLOUY
,-
is modeled. The layer-wise clements are capable of representing discontinuities of the
displacements at the interface bet\\'een layers. The symmetry boundary conditions used are:
u(O, y) = 1/(0. y) =U'(O.I') =0
("(x, 0) = Lei (x, 0) = J/ J (x, 0) =0
with i =I, ... Nand j = It .. , D; \vhere IV is the number of layers and D is the number
of delaminations through the thickness; in this example. ,..'e ha,'c D = I. The boundary of
the delamination is specified by setting the jump discontinuity variables UJ, yJ and JyJ to
zero on the boundary of the delamination and ,\'hercver the plate is not delaminated. The
boundary of the plate is subjected to the follo\\'ing boundary conditions, which produce a
state of axisymmetric stress on the circular delamination:
u'(b,)') =UJ(b,)') =0; = -Ii
rf(x,b) =Vi(:c,b) = 0; N... (:(,b) =-Ii
where Ii is a uniformly distributed compressive force per unit length. The same material
properties are used for the delaminated layer of thickness t and for the substrate of thickness
(h -I). To simulate the thin-film assumptions, a ratio "It = 100 is used. First an eigenvalue
analysis is performed to obtain the buckling load and corresponding mode shape. Then a
Newton-Raphson solution for the post-buckling is sought. The Jacobian derivative method
(see Barbero and Reddy, 1990) is used at equilibrium solution to compute the distributioD
of the strain energy release rate G(s) along the boundary of the delamination. For this
example, G(s) is a constant. Its value, shown in Fig. 5 as a function of the applied load, is
in excellent agreement with the approximate analytical solution (see Yin, 1985).
4.4. Circular delanlinalion under unidirectional load
In this example we analyze a circular delamination, centrally located in a square plate
of lotal width 2c and subjected to a uniformly distributed in-plane load NIl. The example
is considered because results ora three-dimensional analysis are available (Whitcomb, 1988)
in the literature. Compared to the last example, this problemdoes not admit an axisymmetric
solution. Therefore, the distribution G(s) varies along the boundary of the delamination.
A quasi-isotropic laminate [45/0/90] of total thickness " = 4 mm and a circular delami-
nation of diameter 2a located at : =0.4 mm is considered. The material properties used
are those of AS4/PEEK: . =134 GPa, E"J. = 10.2 GPa, G
I2
=5.52 GPa, G
2
) =3.430Pa,
Va2 =0.3. As is well kno\l,'n, the quasi-isotropic laminate exhibits equivalent isotropic
1.2 -- 1-0 model
000 a 0 Present study
o
0.1
0.4
o
12.0
r
Fig. 5. Strain energy release: rate for a bUl'llcd thin film. a,i,) nlmetric as a function
or the inplane
bc:havior ,,-hen loaded in its plane. The bending behavior, however, depends on the orien-
tation. To avoid conlplic:ltions in the interpretation or the results introduced by the non-
isotropic bending behavior. an equivalent isotropic material is used by Whitcomb (1988),
where the equivalent stiffness components of the 3-0 elasticity are found from the relation:
.. ,
fklaminJI.on in comf'Osilt
313
Due to the transverse incompressibility used in this \\:ork, It IS more convenient and
customary to work \vith the reduced stiffness. Equivalent material properties can be found
directly,from theA-matrix of the quasi-isotropic laminate as follows. First. compute the
equivalent reduced stiffness coefficients
where h is the total thickness or the plate and Ai} are the extensional stiffnesses. Next, the
equivalent material properties can be found as:
" = Qu(t-
GI2 = Q3l
Gll =Qss
Q"E.. -E;.
"12=-----

An eigenvalue analysis reveals that the delaminated portion of the plate buckles at
N
x
= 286,816 N m-
I
for Q = IS mm and at N. =73,666 N m-
I
for a =30 mm. The
maximum transverse opening of the delamination as a function of the applied in-plane
strain t.t is shown in Fig. 6. The differences observed \\'ith the results of Whitcomb (1988)
are due to the fact that in the latter an artificiany zero transverse deflection is imposed on
the base laminate to reduce the computational cost of the three-dimensional finite element
solution. The differences are more important for a = 30 mm, as indicated by the dashed
line in Fig. 6, which represents the transverse deflection ,,,. of the midplane of the plate. The
square symbols denote the total opening (or gap) of the delamination, while the solid line
represents the opening reported by \Vhitcomb (1988) with u' =o. The differences i.n the
LI,..----------"-'
'.2
__ 3-D
00000 r
Cef!ect.on \U

E 1.0
E
- 0.8
.. 0.'
0.4
0.2
I
..
0.0 - - - - - - _ _ _ _ _ c-30
...............
-0.2 +---..,-..- -_--P-_......
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0
strain t.
Fig_ 6. transverse opening lI' of a circular de!amination of diameter 2a in a square plate
subjected to in-plane load as a function of the inpJane uniform strain.
,=0.003
.=0.002
.=0.005
-100.0
0.0
0.0 Present study
____ 3-0 elements
10.0 20.0 JO.O 'O.O 50.0
s :II 0" [mm]
Fil. 7. Distribution or the strain ener,y rate along the bound31')" of a circular delamination
various values of tbe applied in-plane axial strain.
,.
384 E. J. B.\RlIlItO and J. N. R.uuy
700.0
800.0
8'\
Nt
500.0
400.0
C(s) 300.0

;..Nw
200.0
-----
iOO.O
total opening Wand trar. iverse deflection 11- have an influence on the distribution of the
strain energy release rate, as can be seen in Fig. 7. Both solutions (i.e., solutions of 3-D
elements and the present 2D elements) coincide for the sma)) delamination of radius Q = IS
mm, as shown in Fig. 8. For the larger radius Q = 30 n1m, the assumption ,r = 0 is no
longer valid, and differences can be observed in Fig. 8, although the maximum values of G
coincide and the shapes of the distributions of G are quite sinliJar. Mesh refinement. with
at least two elements close to the delamination boundary, must be used to account for the
sudden changes in deflections and slope in a narro\y region close to the delamination
boundary, similar to the phenomena described by Bodner (1954). Distributions of the strain
energy_release ralesG(s}along the boundary of the delamination are sho-\\'n in Figs 7 and
8 for the different delamination radii, a = 15 mm and a = 30 mm, respectively. The value
s = 0 corresponds to (x = a, y = 0) and s = an/2 to (.\" = 0,)' =a). r\egalivc values of G(s)
indicate that energy should be provided to advance the delamination in that direction.
Negative values are obtained as a result of delaminated surfaces that come in contact. thus
eliminating the contribution of mode [ of fracture but not of modes II and III. The present
analysis does not include contact constraints 1nd therefore layers may overlap. As noted
by Whitcomb (1988), the strain energy release rate G(s) in the region \vithout overlap is
not significantly affected by imposing contact constraints on the small overlap area.
4.5. Unidirectional delal1lillQted graphite-epo."C.r plate
A circular delamination of radius a = 5 in. in a square plate of side 2c = )2 in.. made
of unidirectional is considered next. The thickness of the plate is " = 0.5
"

c.=O.CC3
,=0.002
S
!n
I
\ IN.
t ) - i
"---/ f I
; I
I
0.0
__ Present
____ 3-0 elements
400.0
300.0 j
0=15
-100.0
0
""'.0"""""'-"--5""0"'"-,-,,,......or-".o...--.....,...-S-.O..... , -...... , 2-0"""1.
0
"'-'..... , -,
S = ofl (0<,,<rr/2)
200.0
G(s)
100.0
Fig. DislnbJtion of slrain energy release 3!ung the bvundary of a (ircuLJr ddanlinatiun (or
various \'aluC'S of jr.rlane 3'\1:]) strain.
Dd.JnlicJtlon in conl"osilc lanlinatC'S
385
11.0
10.0
9.0 O=CO
N
,
Ncr
8'\
8.0
7.0
6.0

...N.r
5.0
-1.0 -0.5 -0.0
0.5
1.0
lood ratio: r
= (N.-N,)/(N.+N,)
FiI.9. Buckling load \'ersus the ratio orin-plane loads N. and N.. for a circuJar deJamination.
in., and the delamination is located at a distance I = 0.005 in. from the surface. An
eigenvalue analysis is used to obtain the magnitude of the in-plane load under which the
thin delaminated layer buckles. Due to the orthotropic nature of the material used in this
example, it is interesting to study the effect of different combinations of loads Hz and HI.
let us denote the load ratio as
The magnitude of the buckJing load as a function of the load ratio " with -I < r < 1,
is shown in Fig. 9. The distribution of the strain energy release rate G(s) along the boundary
s ttc/J, 0 < t/J < n/2 is plotted in Figs 10-12 for the load ratios or , =- I, 0, and 1, and
for several values of the applied in-plane load, in multiples i. of the buckling load Ncr. For
r = I (Le., N..: = Nand N.
r
= 0) it is clear that (see Fig. 10) the delamination is likely to
propagate in a the direction approximately perpendicular to the load direction. Introduction
of load in the direction perpendicular to fibers causes the maximum value of G to align
closer to the .x-axis. Note that both the magnitude and the shape of the distribution of G(s)
change as the load ratio changes (see Fig. 13). The plots suggest that the propagation or
arrest of deJaminations is greatly influenced by the anisotropy of the material and the
dominant load.
10.0 oy------------

"
(5 0.0
r = 1
" := NINer
- 5.0 +--oor-........,r---r-.....-..--.--,.-...--

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0

$ = olp [mm]
Fig. 10. Distribution of the strain rate along the boundary of a circular delamination
for \'arious values of applied Joad IV.
------- -,,-,. ....
386 E. J. O.'JlMIIU :.and J. S. Rruln'
20.0 ..,.-------------.
10.0
0.0

'"
'-'
<.,)
-10.0
r 0
A N/N.,
-20.0
0
.
0
1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 1.0 7.0 8.0
s ctp [mm) (O<tp<n/2)
Fig. II. Distribution of the strain energy release rate along the boundar)' o( a circular delamination
for abc ratio r - O.
r -1
A N/Ner
- 20'0.0 1.0 2.C 3.0 .0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0
s (mm) (0<,<,,/2)
-10.0
-15.0
..... ".0
c
, 10.0
.D
W S.O
0.0
'-'
U -5.0
30.0 ,.-------------.
25.0 A-S.Q
20.0
(
Fig. 12. Distribution of the strain energy rate aJ"ng the boundary or a circular delamination
(or the ratio r = - I.
ITIJ]N,
C(s)
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
-10.0
- 20.0
0.0 1.0 2.0 .3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0
s = c, [mm] (O<cp<1T/2)
,
Fig. 13. Distribution or L'1e strain energy release rate al"ng the boundary of a circular delamination
of radius a = 5 in. for \"3';OUS \3l:.;e-s of the toad ratio, r.
387
(
Dclaminal101l in composite laminaln
s. AND COl'CLUSIONS
Alayer-wise theory and associated finite-clement model for the study or dclaminations
in laminated conlposite plates is developed. The same displacement distribution in the
individual layers is capable of representing displacement discontinuity conditions at inter-
faces bet\\een la)crs. The finite element model predicts accurate distributions of strain
energy release rates along the boundary of dclaminations of arbitrary shape. The model
can be used to study multiple delaminations through the thickness or the plate.
The layer-"'ise laminate plate theory provides an adequate framework for the analysis
of laminated composite plates. Particularly, the layer-\vise linear approximation of the displacements through the thickness and the use of Heaviside step functions to model
dclaminations prove to be an effective approach for an accurate analysis of Jocal effects in
laminated composite plates. It must be noted, however, that the. computational cost of the
proposed analysis makes it unattractive for prediction of global behavior when compared with conventional theories. For the prediction of local effects (Le., delaminations, inter-
laminar stresses, etc.), the theory and formulation presented in this study shows its potential as an alternative to three-dinlensional analysis. The model can also be used in a global-
local analysis scheme wherein the local regions are modeled using the layer-wise theory and
global regions are modeled using less refined theories, say the first-order laminate theory.
Transition elements must be developed to join regions modeled by the layer-wise theory to
regions modeled by less expensive theories in global-local analysis procedures.
It is expected that accurate stress distributions obtained with this type of analysis,
along with meaningful failure theories, will enable realistic prediction of failure initiation
and propagation in composite laminates. Also, the layer-wise plate theory can be used as
a post-processor to enrich the stress prediction of the first-order shear defonnation theory.
The support of this work by NASA Langley Research Center and the U.S. Army through
Grant NAGII030 and by NSF International Programs (U.S.-India Cooperatn-e Science Program) through
Cirant INT8908307 is gratefully ackno,,ledged.
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