ABSTRACT
From the review of defect and damage types in composite and adhesively bonded joints (Chapter 2), we need to determine which defects are more serious in terms of structural integrity. The three generic defect or damage types that classify the majority of the 52 defect types in composite materials and 6 defect types in sandwich structures are matrix cracks (intralaminar), delaminations (interlaminar matrix cracks), and fiber fracture (holes). The two general defect types on adhesively bonded joints are debonds and weak bonds. The structural significance of these is discussed herein.
