Matrix cracking and delamination in laminated composites. Part II: Evolution of crack density and delamination

This paper presents a model to predict the propagation of transverse cracks in polymer matrix composite laminates. Different possibilities for the crack pattern are analyzed and the different stress-strain response are compared. Taking into account that matrix cracking promotes delamination between the plies, the propagation of delamination is also simulated. The model predictions are compared with experimental data obtained in composite laminates that accumulate transverse cracks and delaminations before failing catastrophically. The possibility and limitations of a general constitutive law applied at ply level, as a mesomodel, is analyzed and the bounds of applicability of the model are explained.