Propose a generic framework for probabilistic prediction of the onset and growth of matrix cracking induced delamination in composite laminates

Matrix cracking induced delamination (MCID) is one of the catastrophic modes that can occur in composite laminates. In this paper, an efficient algorithm based on the concept of energy release rate for delamination due to matrix cracking and mode II interlaminar fracture toughness is developed and by applying this proposed framework, the reliability analysis of MCID damage is performed. The limit state function is formulated using a general and effectual failure criterion which is developed by the authors of this article, previously. To represent the performance of the proposed algorithm, the probability of the occurrence and growth of MCID in a quasi-isotropic laminate including 45°, 90°, −45° and 0° plies under different loading conditions and various stacking sequences is extracted by using first and second order reliability methods. The obtained results are verified using Monte Carlo simulation. In addition, some significant probability results are compared with several experimental data for validation of the proposed method, qualitatively. For the first time, stochastic failure envelopes called reliability based failure envelops are generated to attain deeper and clear insight about laminate random behavior under MCID mode. The effect of some variables such as the ply thickness, different stress level and stress states and matrix cracking density on the probability of occurrence and growth of MCID is investigated.