Design Approaches for Edge Delamination Resistance in Laminated Composites

Abstract

This paper reviews the material and structural approaches to increase resistance of delamination initiation and growth. In the material approach, it was found that currently available toughened thermosets and thermoplastic composites can significantly improve delamination resistance for static, but not fatigue, loading. In the structural approach, it was concluded that stitching and interleafing are effective ways to resist delamination as a result of impact. However, terminating and discretizing the critical ply, as well as selective interleafing, are the most effective ways to increase delamination resistance for both static and fatigue in-plane loadings.