A simplified approach to the damage tolerance design of asymmetric tapered laminates. Part II: Methodology validation

An analytical approach for the computation of the energy release rates associated with ply drop-offs has been presented in Part I of this study; the methodology is based on the Euler–Bernoulli theory applied to layered beams, together with orthotropic rescaling. The analytical approach accounts for both thick and thin section delaminations, as well as for variable tapering angles. This paper presents the validation for the analytical methodology which has been developed in Part I. The validation is carried out via: (1) comparison with finite element solutions in terms of energy release rates versus delamination length; (2) prediction of delamination onset load in experimentally characterized tapered samples under combined tension and bending.