Damage evolution in delaminated woven fabric E-glass/epoxy composite plates under transverse static patch loading

Delaminations present in a laminated composite structure can grow under different loading conditions, thus further weakening the structure. Along with this, initiation and propagation of damages within the layers can take place because of in-plane stresses. Studies have been presented on damage evolution in delaminated woven fabric composite plates with initial delamination under pressure loading, normal to the plane of the plate, distributed over a small area. Delamination propagation has been studied using crack closure integral technique and finite element analysis. Initiation of failure of layers because of in-plane stresses has been studied using maximum stress failure criterion. Size and shape of the damage has been evaluated using the method presented and compared with the experimental results available in the literature.