Delamination Analysis for Laminated Composites. II: Numerical Verification

A validation of the delamination analysis models developed in a companion paper is provided through comparisons of predictions with finite‐element and elasticity solutions. The models are applied to the analysis of composite compression specimens reinforced with end tabs. An elasticity solution for the gage section of the specimens is developed. A comparison of the characteristic roots shows that the predictions of the models include the material and geometric parameters that control the behavior, and the roots corresponding to the basic stretching and bending modes are accurately predicted. The stress distribution at the interface between tabs and specimen is in good agreement with a finite‐element simulation. The interlaminar shear and peel stresses show an exponential increase with a maximum intensity at the free edges of the tabs. The behavior of previously tested specimens is explained; and practical guidelines for specimen design are provided to avoid unwanted extraneous modes of failure. The influence of the deformation modes associated with each model is investigated. An assessment of the accuracy and level of complexity is presented.