Parametric effects on embedded delamination buckling in composite structures using the EAS three-dimensional element

This study deals with parametric effects on bucking behaviors of laminated composite structures containing an embedded rectangular delamination using the enhanced assumed strain (EAS) three-dimensional element. The three-dimensional finite element (FE) formulation based on the EAS method for composite structures shows excellence from the standpoints of computational efficiency, especially for distorted element shapes. Using the EAS FE formulation developed for this study, the effects of embedded delamination sizes and ply orientations on the elastic buckling behaviors for various aspect ratios and width-to-thickness ratios are studied. The numerical results obtained are in good agreement with those reported by other investigators. Furthermore, the new results reported in this paper show the progression of local buckling and its influence on global buckling and vice versa. Key observation points are discussed and a brief design guideline is given. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.