Design and finite element assessment of fully uncoupled multi-directional layups for delamination tests

In this paper, a procedure to obtain fully uncoupled multi-directional stacking sequences for delamination specimens is outlined. For such sequences, in-plane, membrane-bending and torsion–bending coupling terms are null (in closed-form solution in the framework of classical laminated plate theory) for the entire stack and for both its halves, which form two arms in the pre-cracked region of a typical delamination specimen. This is achieved exploiting the superposition of quasi-trivial quasi-homogeneous stacking sequences, according to appropriate rules. Any pair of orientations of the plies embedding the delamination plane can be obtained. To assess the effectiveness of the proposed approach, a fully uncoupled multi-directional sequence is designed and compared to other relevant sequences proposed in the literature. Finite element simulations of double cantilever beam test are performed using classic virtual crack closure technique and a revised state-of-the-art virtual crack closure technique formulation too. Some interesting conclusions regarding proper design of multidirectional stacks for delamination tests are drawn. Moreover, the results confirm the suitability of fully uncoupled multi-directional sequences for delamination tests. Thanks to their properties, these sequences might lay the foundations for the development of standard test procedures for delamination in angle-ply interfaces.