Mixed-Mode Delamination of a Composite Laminate

Application ID: 76331


Interfacial failure or delamination in a composite material can be simulated with a cohesive zone model (CZM). A key ingredient of a cohesive zone model is a traction-separation law that describes the softening in the cohesive zone near the delamination tip. This example shows the implementation of a CZM with a bilinear traction-separation law in a laminated composite using the Layered Shell interface. The capabilities of the CZM to predict mixed-mode softening and delamination propagation are demonstrated in the model.

This example is an extension of the Mixed-Mode Debonding of a Laminated Composite model from the Structural Mechanics Module. The results from this model computed with the Layered Shell interface are compared with the model created using the Solid Mechanics interface.

This model example illustrates applications of this type that would nominally be built using the following products: