Progressive multi-damage analysis of composite laminate using higher order zig-zag plate theory

Abstract

In this article, a finite element model of multi-layer composite laminates with delamination based on higher order zig-zag theory is studied for the progressive delamination analysis. The degrees of freedom are simplified by the continuity conditions of shear stress between layers and the free-surface conditions at the bottom and top of laminates. The numbers of degrees of freedom are not reduced with this method while the model can take the initiation of delamination into consideration in return. Static loading analysis is implemented to simulate the performance in delamination resistance with two different plies and under two different boundary conditions. The present model can present good performance in the prediction of delamination phenomenon.