Calculation of total energy release rate in post-local buckling delamination of composite laminates

In the present article, the variational energy principle is used to derive the expression for energy release rate in buckled composite laminate containing through-the-width delamination, subjected to in-plane strains. Boundary conditions are clamped at both edges. Buckling and post-buckling solutions are obtained and expressions for critical buckling load and post-buckling deflection have been developed. A through-the-width delamination model has been considered and formulations are based on higher order shear deformation theory. The effects of considering the higher order shear deformation theory on equivalent bending rigidity, buckling load, and energy release rate have been investigated. Finally, the results of current study have been compared with the results of finite element method analysis by Abaqus/CAE and those available in the literature.