Nonlinear failure mechanisms of laminated composites

Two distinct analytical models are described representing geometrically nonlinear instabilities in layered composites under in-plane compression — kink-banding and delamination buckling. The utilized technique is based on of energy minimization principles in order to examine the underlying mechanics of the systems. It is demonstrated that using this approach enables investigations to be undertaken far into the postbuckling range whilst changing system parameters. Thereby a greater phenomenological understanding of the mechanics of the systems is achieved. (© 2011 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)