Modelling competitive delamination and debonding phenomena in composite T-Joints

Abstract Experimental studies on the failure mode of composite T-joint specimens, in the presence of adhesive interlaminar layers, are presented. Tests underline the role played by the interaction between delamination and debonding phenomena. Quasi static analyses of the tests are performed by means of explicit FE models. A modelling technique based on a cohesive zone approach is adopted to simulate damage propagation both in the adhesive interface and in the most critical interlaminar layers of laminates. All the numerical results are compared against the experimental evidences in terms of fracture patterns, of load vs. displacement responses and local strain levels.