Computational simulation of composite structures with and without damage

A methodology is described which uses finite element analysis of various laminates to computationally simulate the effects of delamination damage initiation and growth on the structural behavior of laminated composite structures. The delamination area is expanded according to a set pattern. As the delamination area increases, how the structural response of the laminate changes with respect to buckling and strain energy release rate are investigated. Rules are presented for laminates of different configurations, materials and thickness. These results demonstrate that computational simulation methods can provide alternate methods to investigate the complex delamination damage mechanisms found in composite structures.