Damage propagation in composite structural elements-coupon experiments and analyses

Abstract An overview of experiments and analyses being performed at the coupon level within the GARTEUR (Group of Aeronautical Research in Europe) action group AG16: ‘Damage propagation in composite structural elements’ is given. Both basic delamination fracture experiments such as DCB, ENF, MMB, CLS and SEN and coupon tests with embedded artificial delaminations or impact damages are carried out. The experiments are analysed using different methods and energy release rate, stress-based failure criteria and damage models are evaluated.