Modelling the electrical resistance change in a multidirectional laminate with a delamination

In this work, the electrical response of a multidirectional symmetric composite laminate with a delamination is studied analytically, numerically and experimentally. An analytical model is initially developed to predict the electrical resistance of the composite laminate as a function of the delamination extent. The model was first validated against the results of a bulk of finite element analyses, considering different lay-ups and electrical resistivity. The model predictions were then compared to experimental data obtained through a dedicated experimental campaign performed on unidirectional and multidirectional Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) specimens. A satisfactory agreement was found in all the cases, thus supporting the accuracy of the analytical model.