We propose a highly efficient analytical closed‐form approach to assess the interlaminar stresses at the free edge in symmetric angle‐ply laminates under uniform axial extension and homogeneous thermal loading. The model is based on a two‐dimensional generalized plane strain representation of the structural situation – a so‐called general sandwich‐type model. Using the results of this approach we predict the delamination onset by means of a coupled stress and energy criterion within the framework of finite fracture mechanics. For comparative purposes we use numerical results from a cohesive zone model as well as experimental findings from the literature.
