Effect of Delamination on the Nonlinear Behavior of Composite Laminated Beams

Abstract

This paper presents a parametric study of the effect of delamination, and of initial imperfection, on the overall nonlinear behavior of laminated composite beams. The study is based on geometrical nonlinear analysis with the Von-Karman kinematic approach. It is shown that the bifurcation point provides not more than an indication of the buckling behavior, and that the full nonlinear analysis is needed for predicting the load-carrying capacity. It was also found that the delaminated beam is sensitive to initial imperfection.