Damage Evolution and Delamination Resistance in Polymer Matrix Functionally Graded Laminates

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 01 | Page :
    By

    S.N. Padhi,

  • Mamata Choudhury,

  • M B S Sreekara reddy,

  • K.S. Raghuram,

  • K. Suresh,

  1. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Vaddeswaram, Andhra Pradesh, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Application, PSCMR college of Engineering and Technology, Vijayawada, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India
  3. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lakireddy Bali Reddy College of Engineering, Mylavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India
  4. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical engineering, Vignan’s Institute of Information Technology, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
  5. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering GITAM Deemed to be University, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Functionally graded laminates (FGLs) in polymer-matrix systems represent a promising pathway to enhance damage tolerance and delay delamination in advanced structural composites. In this study, we explore the mechanisms of damage initiation, propagation, and delamination resistance in polymer matrix functionally graded laminates (PM-FGLs) through a combined experimental–computational approach. Laminates with linear, exponential, and bio-inspired gradation profiles were fabricated using vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) and additive manufacturing techniques. Comprehensive mechanical characterization was performed, including interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), double cantilever beam (DCB) (Mode-I), and end-notch flexure (ENF) (Mode-II) tests. Damage evolution was closely monitored using digital image correlation (DIC) and acoustic emission (AE), providing valuable real-time insights into the failure process. These techniques allowed for a more nuanced understanding of how cracks initiate and evolve under different loading conditions. Computational simulations incorporated cohesive zone models (CZM) within finite element analysis (FEA) to predict crack initiation and growth behavior. The results reveal that bio-inspired FGLs exhibit up to ~35% higher delamination resistance compared to linear laminates, with delayed crack onset and smoother crack propagation paths. CZM–FEA predictions aligned well with experimental data, showing a deviation of less than ~6%. The integration of AE and DIC techniques enabled effective validation of progressive damage mechanisms. This work highlights the potential of PM-FGLs in aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors, and recommends future research into multi-scale modeling and machine learning-based damage prediction frameworks for more robust and intelligent material design.

Keywords: functionally graded laminates; polymer matrix composites; delamination resistance; cohesive zone modelling; damage evolution.

How to cite this article:
S.N. Padhi, Mamata Choudhury, M B S Sreekara reddy, K.S. Raghuram, K. Suresh. Damage Evolution and Delamination Resistance in Polymer Matrix Functionally Graded Laminates. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):-.
How to cite this URL:
S.N. Padhi, Mamata Choudhury, M B S Sreekara reddy, K.S. Raghuram, K. Suresh. Damage Evolution and Delamination Resistance in Polymer Matrix Functionally Graded Laminates. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=239791


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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
01
Received 31/10/2025
Accepted 30/12/2025
Published 07/04/2026
Publication Time 158 Days
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