An efficient modal strain energy-based damage detection for laminated composite plates

Abstract

Delamination damage has been recognized as a major source of failure that commonly occurs in laminated composites due to their relatively low inter-laminar fracture toughness. The present work deals with an investigation on performing a damage identification technique using a finite element model updating based on genetic algorithm, and providing an evaluation approach with improved sensitivity for detection of quantitative parameters. To this end, an appropriate objective function has been developed based on weighted strain energy, exhibiting the highest level of sensitivity compared to the other methods of damage diagnosis. It is shown that the accuracy of damage location and intensity identification is improved using the proposed method.

Keywords:

• composite laminate
• damage identification
• model updating
• strain energy