Application of the Reissners Plate Theory in the Delamination Analysis of a Three-Dimensional, Time-Dependent, Non-Linear, Uni-Directional Fibre Reinforced Composite Structure

Abstract

The prediction of delamination using Damage Mechanics and Interface Modeling approaches were reviewed and their limitations noted. Target was set to obtain a model free from the limitations of the Damage Mechanics approach, which involved a non- linear, three-dimensional evolution problem and the Interface Modeling method, which involved results not tallying with experimental data. This target was achieved by employing the Reissne's Plate Theory Equations, which gave results that show extraordinarily good agreement with experimental data.