Analytical and numerical calculation of strain energy release rate during delamination growth in a carbon epoxy laminate

Delamination of an infinite laminate subjected to a tension stress is studied. The stress state is studied by a numerical finite element analysis and by an analytical model based on the Love-Kirchhoff plate theory. The global strain energy release rate and its mode I, II and III components are calculated during delamination extension. A correlation is made between these two formulations. The analytical model has the advantage of permitting the analysis of different stacking sequences composed of a large number of plies and determination of their capacity for delamination.