DELAMINATIONS IN COMPOSITE STRUCTURES - ITS ORIGIN, BUCKLING, GROWTH AND STABILITY

The most up-to-date research in the mechanics of delaminations and rel ated crack-like defects in laminate and fiber composites is discussed. Both internal and near-surface delaminations are considered. In the l atter case, local buckling of delaminations and the interaction betwee n buckling, damage accumulation, crack growth and global buckling are considered. The problem of the evaluation of the residual load-carryin g capacity of delaminated structural components is discussed, includin g the assessment of the fracture toughness with respect to impact load ing.