Imperfect interlaminar interfaces in laminated composites: bending, buckling and transient reponses

A numerical analysis with interface finite elements has been carrried out to investigate the effects of imperfect interlaminar interfaces on the overall mechanical behaviour of composite laminates. The laminate is modelled as a set of monolayers separated by zero thickness adhesive interfaces. Across each interface, interlaminar tractions remain continuous while displacements are discontinuous because of interfacial imperfection. Emphasis is placed on assessing the implications of weakened interfaces on the flexural behaviour, critical buckling loads of laminated plates in cylindrical bending, and the transient response of laminated beams with an interlaminar embedded crack. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.