ABSTRACT
The interlaminar mode of fracture (delamination) has aroused considerable attention since the early 1970s [1]. With the introduction of laminated composites into structures subjected to service loads, it has become apparent that the delamination failure mode has the potential for being the major life-limiting failure process. These delaminations are typically induced in composite laminates during service. However, delaminations may also be introduced during processing of the lay-up, for example as a result of contamination of the prepreg, leading to locally poor ply adhesion, or they may form locally in regions of high void content. Delamination may also be introduced during post-fabrication handling of the structure.
