Validation of two-dimensional calculations of free edge delamination in laminated composites

A new displacement-based higher order theory is presented here. The theory employs realistic displacement variations and is shown to be extremely accurate for even thick laminates and for any combination of mechanical and thermal loading. The importance of various higher-order terms in the proposed theory is discussed with reference to a specific numerical example. © 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.