A mixed-mode damage model for delamination growth applied to a new woven composite

In this paper, delamination initiation and propagation of reinforced fibrous composite laminate, in single and mixed mode, are numerically predicted by taking into account the existence of imperfect interfaces between the plies. The bonding conditions between layers are characterised by jumps in displacements which are proportional to the traction stresses. In order to describe the interface damage an approach based on the indirect use of fracture mechanics considering a softening stress-relative displacements law is presented. The accuracy of the predictions is evaluated in single-mode delamination tests, in the mixed-mode bending test, and in a structural configuration consisting of the debonding of a new woven laminated composite reinforced by particles of date cores for orthopedic use. The interface is regarded as being a whole of several interfacial bonds. Each bond is supposed to be made up of three stiffnesses acting in the three directions.