Linear and nonlinear flexural analysis of higher-order shear deformation laminated plates with circular delamination

Abstract

Delamination is a well-known defect mode that can arise in the manufacturing process of laminated composite plates. Due to the importance of analyzing the destructive effects of delamination on the mechanical behavior of composite plates, the flexural analysis of circular laminated composite plates with circular delamination is presented here. The governing equilibrium equations of laminated plates are first determined using third-order shear deformation theory. Both the linear and geometrically nonlinear strain states are considered, and the variational approach with a moving boundary is employed to derive the equilibrium equations. The governing equations in terms of the displacement field are then solved using the Galerkin method and the spectral homotopy analysis method to obtain the linear and nonlinear strain states, respectively. The effect of the variations of the elastic material properties on the strain energy release rate is also comprehensively studied. The results of the present study are consistent with the results of other methods found in the literature.