Energy release rates for delamination of composite beams

This paper deals with the formulation of a mechanical/numerical model for analyzing the delamination effects of layered composite beams. The laminate is modelled through a multiple-beam model and interfacial constitutive laws are obtained by introducing interlaminar bilateral and unilateral springs. Delamination growth is described by employing the classical energy release rate criterion. A path-following procedure with delamination growth control is presented for the numerical analysis of the given model. Numerical results on delamination buckling and growth in compressed beams are given and comparisons with simplified theories are established.