ABSTRACT
The interlaminar mode of fracture (delamination) has aroused considerable attention since the pioneering work by Pipes and Pagano (1970). 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 layup (e.g., 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 postfabrication handling and hard object impact loading of the structure.
