The global mechanical properties of composite structures in service depend
on fiber/matrix interface and interlaminar strength. The paper proposes to
use Acoustic Emission (AE) and advanced signal processing to evaluate the i
nterlaminar performance of polymeric composites. A delaminating process sim
ulated with a Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) in opening mode (Mode I) coupled
with an Acoustic Emission (AE) technique has been employed. Different samp
les were analyzed to observe the damage evolution and to evaluate the inter
laminar decohesion processes. The resistance to delamination growth is expr
essed in terms of the interlaminar DCB mode (mode I) fracture toughness, me
asured by strain energy release rate, G(I), dissipated per unit area of del
amination growth in composite. Three categories of samples were used: two u
nidirectional carbon fiber/epoxy resins with one degraded by heat and one w
ith a commercially used resin. It was found that sample that was exposed at
a temperature greater than the glass transition temperature Tg of the epox
y had a higher cumulative energy release rate than the two other samples ty
pes. The original type having the lowest release rate. Acoustic emission pa
rameters have been found to be powerful indicators of the intensity of the
damage. Multivariate analysis of up to 49 parameters was performed in order
to group classes of AE signals with matching characteristics. A correlatio
n was established between the energy release rate and the acoustic emission
energy.