Impact‐Induced delamination in [05, 905, 05] carbon fiber/polyetheretherketone composite laminates

This paper reports both experimental and numerical investigations on delamination mechanisms in [05, 905, 05] carbon fiber(CF)/poly(etheretherketone) (PEEK) laminate subjected to low‐velocity impact. It was found that the CF/PEEK composite exhibits the same damage mechanisms as epoxy‐based composites, but superior delamination resistance. For the crossply laminate, the impact delamination results from a Mode II interlaminar fracture process, and a close association exists between the interlaminar shear stress field and the delamination growth. The prediction of impact‐induced delamination sizes is discussed.