Prediction of delamination in braided composite T-piece specimens

This paper presents an approach to predict the delamination of braided composite T-piece specimen using cohesive models. As part of an investigation on simulation of delamination in T-piece specimens, cohesive elements from ABAQUS were employed in forming a cohesive model to study the progressive delamination. Predictions given by the model of single delamination together with experimental results are presented. These results suggest that prediction of progressive delamination using cohesive models is feasible. Finally this paper proposes future work for precise prediction of delamination of braided composite T-piece specimens. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd.