Experimental investigation on the delamination onset and propagation in composite specimens subjected to compressive loads by using Digital Image Correlation

The continuous demand of lightweight structures characterized by high load-carrying capabilities has led to an increasing use of composite materials. However, despite the outstanding properties of this kind of materials, uncertainties still exist on their complex damage behavior. For such a reason, extensive investigation, from both an experimental and numerical perspective, is mandatory. This work aims to investigate the damage behavior of delaminated composite specimens subjected to compressive load. The strain and displacement fields are monitored by using Digital Image Correlation (DIC), in order to obtain information on the delamination propagation during the experiment. The acquired data can be used, supported by Finite element analyses, to help the understanding of such complex phenomenon.