Experimental Characterization of Mode I and Mode II Peridynamic Critical Stretch Parameter

The focus of this study is to determine the critical stretch parameters for laminated composites when using peridynamic approach for modeling interlaminar delaminations in idealized modes I and II with and without z-pin reinforcements. The doublecantilever beam test and the end-notch flexure test were used to evaluate the normal (Mode I) and shear (Mode II) bond critical stretch in the absence of z-pins. Subsequently, the interlaminar delaminations with z-pins were simulated in order to evaluate the corresponding critical stretch.