ABSTRACT
216Completely analytical theories are presented for calculating the total energy release rate (ERR) in a mixed-mode delamination in layered isotropic and laminated composite straight beam structures and for partitioning it into opening mode I and shearing mode II components. The theories are developed within the contexts of both the Euler and Timoshenko beam theories. The theories are extensively verified against numerical simulations using the finite element method. The developed theories provide a valuable means for the design of such beam structures against delamination.
