Modelling and identification of delamination in double-layer beams by the virtual distortion method

The problem of modelling and identification of delamination in double-layer beams has been undertaken within the framework of the virtual distortion method. For delamination modelling, a concept of the contact layer has been proposed, assuming simple but effective truss connections. The laminate layers have been modelled with Bernoulli beams. Good correspondence of the delamination model with experiments has been observed despite disregarding the friction between layers. An algorithm for off-line identification of delamination, solving an inverse problem with the use of gradient optimization, has been proposed. For double cantilever beam examples, two co-existing delamination zones have been successfully detected. An idea of on-line identification of delamination has been put forward, too.