Buckling Analysis of Laminated Composite Plates with Delamination Using an Enhanced Hexahedral Solid-Shell Finite Element

Abstract

This study aims to assess the buckling behaviour of laminated composite plates, both with and without delamination, with an enhanced hexahedral solid-shell finite element framework grounded in the advanced Hexahedral Solid-Shell Finite Element method. This technology addresses significant numerical issues, including volumetric locking and transverse shear, hence ensuring high accuracy in forecasts throughout the process. The critical buckling loads of virgin plates with symmetric and quasi-isotropic layups were examined and contrasted with those of plates exhibiting various delamination sizes and configurations. The data indicate that symmetric layups exhibit greater buckling loads; however, the presence of delamination significantly affects buckling capacity, especially for bigger delamination located near the centre of the structure. These findings illuminate the structural behaviour of delaminated composites under compressive stresses applied within the material's plane.