Delamination in reinforced panels is one of the primary challenges facing the safety and reliability of aerospace structures. This article presents a sensitivity analysis of the fatigue behaviour during the compression of a composite aeronautical stiffened panel experiencing delamination. The main objective is to assess the impact of delamination size and depth on the lifecycle and structural integrity of the panel. Different dimensions and positions of delamination are considered to cover a comprehensive range of damage scenarios. The key feature of this sensitivity analysis is the adoption of a numerical procedure that is mesh- and load-step-independent, ensuring reliable results and providing valuable insight into the criticality of delamination and its impact on the fatigue behaviour during the compression of reinforced aeronautical panels. Sensitivity analyses are essential for enhancing the design process of aerospace structures, thereby contributing to the increased safety and reliability of structural components. In this regard, the use of robust and effective numerical procedures is of crucial significance. This may be seen as the real added value of this paper.
Keywords: circular delamination; finite element analysis; stiffened panel; structural design.