Local buckling and debonding problem of a bonded two-layer plate

The problem of local buckling, debonding initiation and growth process of the debonding of a bonded two-layer plate is treated. In the weaker layer of the plate, compression appears due to the external compressive axial force and bending moment. The conditions for local buckling of the weaker layer have been studied where the possibility that the stress state in the layers could be in elasto-plastic domain has been considered.A mathematical model is developed to determine the bending displacements of laminate layers after the weaker layer buckles locally, and in the state after the plate has been unloaded. The third-order theory introduced by Chwalla has been implemented. Mechanical properties of the layers and adhesive used in the numerical model were measured with experiments. Experimental work comprised the determination of mechanical properties of the chosen materials and experimental verification of the presented mathematical model. Numerically obtained results are compared with those obtained by an experimental approach, and are found to be in good agreement.