RANKING OF LAMINATES FOR EDGE DELAMINATION RESISTANCE

Edge delamination is a problem of some concern in laminated fibre comp osites. In the present study, energy release rates for potential edge delamination propagation are calculated using finite element technique s, for various stacking sequences of quasi-isotropic laminates under t ension loading. Gap elements are included in the calculations to preve nt non-physical material interpenetration that can occur in calculatio ns. The results permit a ranking of stacking sequences based on minimi zing the energy release rate. Experiments show that the newer, high to ughness resin systems are effective in reducing strength loss associat ed with edge delamination under monotonic loading.