Finite element interface models for the delamination analysis of laminated composites: mechanical and computational issues

TLDR

The study develops a finite element approach for delamination in laminated composites using interface elements and an interface damage law. The model employs linear elastic fracture mechanics concepts, equating the traction–displacement area to the critical energy release rate for single‑mode delamination, a mixed‑mode interaction model for various fracture criteria, and addresses numerical issues such as interface strength, iterative matrix choice, and integration point count. The approach can be reformulated within a general damage‑mechanics framework, and numerical simulations of a double‑cantilever beam and a multi‑delamination case agree with experimental data. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract

Abstract The finite element analysis of delamination in laminated composites is addressed using interface elements and an interface damage law. The principles of linear elastic fracture mechanics are indirectly used by equating, in the case of single‐mode delamination, the area underneath the traction/relative displacement curve to the critical energy release rate of the mode under examination. For mixed‐mode delamination an interaction model is used which can fulfil various fracture criteria proposed in the literature. It is then shown that the model can be recast in the framework of a more general damage mechanics theory. Numerical results are presented for the analyses of a double cantilever beam specimen and for a problem involving multiple delamination for which comparisons are made with experimental results. Issues related with the numerical solution of the non‐linear problem of the delamination are discussed, such as the influence of the interface strength on the convergence properties and the final results, the optimal choice of the iterative matrix in the predictor and the number of integration points in the interface elements. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.